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Maximmillian SunflowerMaximillian Sunflower

Scientific name: Heliathus maximiliani Schrad.  

Short Description: Maximillian Sunflower is a native warm-season perennial forb with bright yellow flowers in late summer and early fall.  

Description: Maximilian Sunflower is a native warm-season perennial forb adapted to the central region of the United States extending from Mexico into Canada.  Maximilian Sunflower is found in prairie remnants, sloughs, woodland edges, or disturbed areas.  It does best on medium textured soils, but will grow on a wide range of soils with an annual rainfall range of 20 to 40 inches. It is typically used in native grass mixes, for filter strips, and for upland game bird food and cover.  This tall species is ideal accent plant around fences and native gardens.  

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Taxonomy of Maximillian Sunflower

 Kingdom  Plantae
 Subkingdom  Tracheobionta 
 Superdivision  Spermatophyta 
 Division     Magnoliophyta
 Class  Magnoliopsida 
 Subclass  Asteridae 
 Order    Asterales 
 Family   Asteraceae 
 Genus   Helianthus 
 Species  maximiliani Schrad.
        

Plant Characteristics of Maximillian Sunflower 

 USDA Hardiness Zone  3 to 9
 Height  36 to 96 inches 
 Growth habit  multiple stems from a central crown with branching near top where flowers occur
 Bloom color  composite yellow flowers 2.5 to 3 inches across
 Bloom period  late summer and early fall
 Sun requirement  full sun
 Leaf foilage color  green with rough texture
 Seeds per pound  180,000
 Minimum soil temperature for germination  65 ºF
 Soil pH range  6.0 to 7.5
 Planting Rate  3 oz/1000 sq ft or 8 lbs/acre
 Planting Depth  ½ inch
 Planting season  spring

 

Uses of Maximillian Sunflower

Landscape:  attractive in mass plantings as well as in species mixes.

Wildlife: excellent food source and cover for game birdsErosion control: when combined with grasses, forbs, and legumes.

Commerically Available Cultivars of Maximillian Sunflower

'Prairie Gold' (released in 1978 by the Manhattan Plant Material Center in cooperation with the University of Nebraska Horticulture Department.