Maximilian sunflower

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Maximilian sunflower inflorescences

Maximilian sunflower

Maximilian sunflower leaves

Maximilian sunflower

Maximilian sunflower

Maximilian sunflower

Maximilian sunflower habit

Maximilian sunflower florets

Maximilian sunflower

Maximilian sunflower inflorescences

Maximilian sunflower florets

Maximilian sunflower

Morphology

Stem

Erect, solitary or loosely clustered, light green to occasionally reddish, rough-hairy, especially above.

Leaves

Mostly alternate, simple, short-stalked, lanceolate, 3 to 12 inches long, 1/2 to 2 inches wide, rough, grayish green, often folded lengthwise to form down-curving trough; margins entire to shallow-toothed.

Inflorescence

Heads, numerous, usually in raceme-like clusters, on stout stalks, in upper leaf axils, 2 to 3 inches wide; bracts linear-lanceolate, exceeding disk, hairy, tips slender.

Flower

Ray florets 10-25, to 1.5 inch long, yellow; disk florets yellow.

Fruit

Achenes, wedge-shaped, flattened, gray, black spotted, without bristles or scales, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat

Open, dry or damp prairies, rocky pastures and hillsides, waste ground, roadsides, and low moist areas, most abundant in sandy soils.

Distribution

Throughout Kansas.

Practical Information

Forage Value

Maximilian sunflower is a desirable range plant that is palatable and nutritious for livestock.

Uses

Produces a heavy crop of seed that is excellent wildlife food.

Additional Notes