Southwest Plant of the Month – Maximilian Sunflower – Helianthus maximiliani

General Information

Physical Description:  Lush, dark green foliage on tall erect stems, the top third of which are lined with stunning yellow blossoms in fall. Plant form large clumps from dense networks of fleshy rhizominous roots.

Care and Maintenance:  Needs room. Rhizomatous spreader controlled by withholding moisture. Spent stalks must be removed in late winter after birds have harvested seeds. Drought resistant but requires supplemental water to perform well.

Gardener’s Notes:  Fast growing, long lived, beautifully flowering plant. Dried seed heads provide important winter food source for wildlife. Root clumps can be divided in early spring. Native to Pecos and Rio Grande valleys of New Mexico and Texas.

Plant information from Southwest Yard & Garden Plant Advisor.