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Maximilian Sunflower
Left: Helianthus maximiliani in ASMSA Garden in Late Summer 2023.
Left: Helianthus maximiliani in ASMSA Garden in Late Summer 2023.
Above: Mature Helianthus maximiliani from the web.
Above: Mature Helianthus maximiliani from the web.
Plant Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
Helianthus maximiliani prefers moist clay-like soils, soil depths of 50 cm or more, 250 to 1,270 mm annual precipitation, gentle slopes, and full sun.
Growth Habit/Description:
Growth in the Helianthus maximiliani occurs in late spring and summer with some flowering by the end of the first season. The flower head is up to 5 inches across, with 15-19 ray flowers, deeply veined and slightly toothed on the tip. The center is 1 inch or more across, green to dark brown.
Bloom Season:
Blooms during mid summer to winter season.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
No. The Helianthus maximiliani lies dormant during these seasons.
Distribution
Distribution
Habitat: Helianthus maximiliani is found in rocky upland and loess hill prairies, rocky ledges, and along railways, roadsides, fences, and other disturbed areas.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Helianthus maximiliani is one of the larval host plants of the Bordered Patch.
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. During the late summer and early fall blooming seasons, the Heliathus maximiliani is valued as a forage plant for deer and lvestock, it also covers and provides seed for many bird and small mammals.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: It was named for the naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, Germany, who led an expedition into the American West in the 1830s.
Related Plant Species: Helianthus maximiliani is closely related to various other sunflower species around he world.
Use For Food/Medicine:
Helianthus maximiliani is edible and is often used in various salads. It is also used near homes to repel mosquitoes and the blossoms have been used in bathwater to relieve arthritis pain.
References
References
Plant Guide - USDA. (n.d.-b). https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_hema2.pdf
Plant database. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. (n.d.). https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=hema2#:~:text=The%20flower%20head%20is%20up,plant%2C%20eaten%20by%20many%20livestock.
Maximilian Sunflower. Native Gardeners. (n.d.). https://native-gardeners.com/products/maximilian-sunflower#:~:text=Maximillian’s%20Sunflower%20is%20also%20one,suitable%20for%20small%20landscape%20plantings.
Sunflowers for wildlife in the Cross Timbers - Texas A&M University. (n.d.-d). http://wildlifehabitat.tamu.edu/mgmtplan/AppendixW.pdf
Last edited by Daymond Franklin, September 2023.
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