Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3119206

Maximilian Sunflower

Helianthus maximiliani

Also known as Maximilian's Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower

Maximilian sunflowers stand as statuesque prairie perennials, bearing vibrant yellow flower heads tightly clustered along arching stems each autumn. Their distinctive folded, lance-shaped leaves curve downwards like ribs along the stalk, helping the plant conserve water in open sun. The abundant seeds feed migratory songbirds throughout the winter while late-season blooms sustain diverse native pollinators.

PerennialPollinator MagnetYellow Bloom
Maximilian Sunflower reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • White-tailed deer
  • Livestock
  • Grasshoppers
ThreatsHabitat conversion to farmland, intensive mowing, herbicide applications
HabitatsTallgrass prairies, pastures, roadsides, disturbed soils
Life spanPerennial (rhizomes live indefinitely)
Classification
  1. FamilyAsteraceae
  2. SpeciesHelianthus maximiliani
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Best Viewing Time: Look for bright yellow flower heads clustered along tall stalks in late summer and autumn.
  • Spotting In The Wild: Scan prairie remnants, sunny roadsides, and meadow edges where colonies form dense clumps.
  • Wildlife Watching: Observe native bees and butterflies visiting flowers during midday sunshine.
Related species
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