Maximilian's Sunflower is a show-stopping native perennial known for its incredible floral display and high value to both livestock and wildlife. Towering between 3 and 10 feet tall, this sunflower produces a profusion of 2-to-3-inch wide yellow blooms tightly packed along the upper portion of its stems. Its long, narrow, grayish-green leaves often fold along the midrib, giving the plant a unique texture even before the August-to-October bloom period. Native to the dry to medium prairies of central North America, it is exceptionally drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types, including clay and sandy loams. This species is a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts, as its heavy seed crop provides essential winter food for birds, and its thicket-forming habit offers excellent cover. Best grown in full sun, it spreads steadily via rhizomes to create a spectacular late-season focal point. Germination is most successful after 30 days of cold-moist stratification (C30).

Quick facts

• Height: 3–10 ft
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Medium-Wet to Medium-Dry
• Bloom time: Aug–Sep (Yellow)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Notes: Aggressive, Rhizomatous
• Native range: Native to 37 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Maximilian's Sunflower