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Extension

Plant Profile 
FYUSE 3D Image

Common Name: Maximilian Sunflower
Species Name: Helianthus maximiliani
Plant Type: Forb
Family Name: Asteraceae, Sunflower Family

Plant Facts 
OriginNative
DurationAnnual, perennial or biennial
Distribution in the U.S.Central US; Montana and North Dakota to Texas
Distribution in OklahomaBody of the state; greatest populations in center

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics

    Vegetative

    • Can be fairly tall; grayish-green foliage
    • Long, narrow curving leaves; folding upward along midrib
    • Leaves attached directly to stem; usually alternate

    Floral

    • Flower head stems attached in between stem and leaves
    • Flowers yellow with light brown center
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Leaf Type: Simple
    • Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
    • Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
    • Stipules: Absent
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Petal Number: 10-25
    • Flower Color: Yellow with brown or yellow centers
    • Flower Timing: August-October
    • Fruit Type: Achene
Habitat/Ecology 
Soil TypeVarious moist soils
HabitatPrairies, drainages, borrow ditches
Successional StageLate