Maximilian SunflowerHelianthus maximiliani
A native prairie perennial, usually growing in large clumps or colonies, 3-9' tall. Suited for erosion control, ornamental native gardens, hedges and natural screens, and prairie restorations. Other uses include sunny borders, native plant gardens, cottage gardens, naturalized areas, meadow restorations, filter strips, vegetated swales and upland buffers. It is a great background plant for perennial gardens and a must for bird and butterfly gardens.
USDA symbol: HEMA2
General Information
| Plant Type | Forb |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 to 5 feet |
| Light Exposure | Sun |
| Soil Moisture | Dry |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
Tolerances
| Flooding / Inundation Tolerance | Moderate |
|---|---|
| General Resilience | 9 |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Stress Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Fire Tolerant, General Disturbance |
Pollinator Value: Very High
| Bloom Months | August to September |
|---|---|
| Larval Host of | Bees, Butterflies |
| Specific Pollinators Hosted | Chlosyne gorgone, Numerous bee species |
| Pollinator Benefit | Insect Pollinated, Provides Nectar, Stem Nesting, Supports Generalists |
Project Planning
| Project Type | Boulevard, Rain Garden, Shoreline Buffer |
|---|---|
| Coefficient of Conservatism | 5 |
| Herbivore Sensitivity | High |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Rate of Spread | Slow |
| Soil Stabilization | Shallow |
| Vegetative Reproduction | Clonal |
Range
| County | Becker, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Cass, Chippewa, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Itasca, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen, Martin, McLeod, Mille Lacs, Murray, Nobles, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Renville, Roseau, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Yellow Medicine |
|---|---|
| Ecoregion | Driftless Area, Lake Agassiz Plain, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Glaciated Plains, Northern Lakes and Forests, Northern Minnesota Wetlands, Western Cornbelt Plains |
| Approximate Eco Province | Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland, Tallgrass Aspen Parklands |