Helianthus maximiliani is a North American species of sunflower known by the common name Maximilian sunflower. This sunflower is named for Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, who encountered it on his travels in North America. 

Conditions Comments: A native prairie perennial, this sunflower is a desirable range plant, eaten by many livestock. A heavy crop of seeds is produced, thus it is also a valuable plant for wildlife. Numerous yellow flower heads grow on their it's stalk.  This sunflower is adapted to many soil types, from sands to clays, and does best in areas receiving 18 inches or more of annual rainfall. It has been reported that pioneers planted Maximilian sunflowers near their homes to repel mosquitoes and the flower blossoms were steeped in hot bathwater to relieve arthritis pain.

They are a good source of iron, potassium and thiamin. They are low in calories and high in fiber. The seeds are also edible, and can be used for making oil or eating raw as a snack, sprinkled onto soups, salads, etc.

This sunflower forms a rounded mound of stems early in the growing season leading to a mass of blooms in the fall. The stems are erect and un-branched from fleshy rootstocks. Maximilian spreads by seeds and by rhizomes forming dense spreading colonies.

Most sunflowers are annuals, which means that they live for only one year, but Maximilian sunflowers are perennials and come back for many years from their roots. = Deer love Maximilian sunflower seeds and will knock the tall plants down to get to them!

Seedling vigor is good. Growth occurs in late spring and summer with some flowering by the end of the first season. Most Maximilian sunflower plants are not fully developed until the second season.

The Maximillian or Prairie Sunflower provides vibrant yellow flowers, an animal habitat, and is edible by humans. These iconic plants are not fussy and will grow in a variety of soil (including heavy clay) and light conditions, but prefer full sun and well-drained soils.