Maximilian Sunflower: Helianthus maximiliani: Asteraceae
Maximilian Sunflower © RSWacha, 1998
Description:
Flowering heads have from 10 to 25 yellow ray flowers, surrounding a central cluster of yellow, disc flowers. Involucral bracts are narrow and lance-shaped. Leaves are lance-shaped, very narrow, and occur individually on the stem. Leaf margins are either smooth or have well-spaced, small, inconspicuous teeth. The base of the leaf blade extends along the petiole in a "wing-like" manner to join the stem. The upper part of the stem may have a zig-zag appearance like that of the compass plant. Flowering heads emerge individually from the leaf axils, forming a row along the upper part of the stem. Blooms from August into October, in prairies and prairie plantings. Helianthus maximiliani differs from S. integrifolium, with which it may occur, by having narrower leaves and narrower involucral bracts. Native to N. A.