This tall growing perennial sunflower is one of the most robust species sunflowers in North America. Under cultivation the plant can reach over 10 feet tall. The flowers branch out from the central stalk making a tall column of flowers. Many types of bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers. The high oil seeds are favored by warblers at our farm in August.
This species is mentioned as edible but edible means you might consume it under certain dietary restrictions such as starvation. Compared to the sunchoke there is nothing much to consume as the roots are tiny and fibrous with a rather acrid flavor. The small seeds are edible but very low yielding but to the birds it is high yielding.
Maximilian sunflower is one the best perennial sunflowers for its vigorous growth as well as its ease of cultivation.
| Plant Specs |
| Genus & Species |
Helianthus maximiliana |