Plant · GBIF taxon 3119206
Maximilian sunflower
Helianthus maximilianiAlso 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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
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)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAsteraceae
- SpeciesHelianthus maximiliani
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
Similar Native Sunflower no rights reserved, uploaded by Mary Crickmore · cc0
Close Relative (c) KENPEI, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Tero Laakso, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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