Maximilian’s Sunflower

Scientific name

Helianthus maximiliani

Description

Maximilian’s sunflower is a showy, perennial wildflower that can grow up to 3 m tall. The attractive yellow flowers grow in the upper leaf axils, have 20-40 yellow rays with a dark yellow disk, and bloom from August to September. The light green leaves are narrowly lanceolate, have smooth margins, and are covered in white hairs. Maximilian’s Sunflower is beneficial to native pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. Maximilian’s Sunflower can spread aggressively through its rhizomatous root system, which helps to prevent erosion.

Planting conditions

Maximilian’s Sunflower is a hardy species that will grow in dry to moist soils and is tolerant of drought once established. It is tolerant to a wide range of soil types, including clay, rocky soil, sand, loam, and humusy loam. It prefers soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline ph and requires full sun. Maximilian’s Sunflower can be found growing naturally in prairies, rocky ledges, and along roadsides and railroads.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Humus
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Basic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 3 m
• Spread:
  • 1 m