Rich prairies[43], usually on drier soils[60]. Low moist areas, roadsides and prairies in Texas, often forming large colonies[274].
Range
Central N. America - Minnesota and Manitoba to Saskatchewan, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas.
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Care
Summary
Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid fall. Form: Upright or erect.
Physical Characteristics
Helianthus maximilianii is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.4 m (7ft 10in) at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is in flower from Sep to October, and the seeds ripen from Oct to November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies.
USDA hardiness zone : 5-10
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Tubers - raw or cooked[22, 46, 61, 257]. Similar in flavour to Jerusalem artichokes, but lower yielding. Seed - raw or cooked[183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[183].
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
Other Uses
None known
Cultivation details
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Specimen. Succeeds in most soils in a sunny position[1]. Requires a rich soil[1]. Dislikes shade[1]. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, plants can be totally destroyed by them[K]. At least one named form has been developed. Called 'Prairie Gold', it is being investigated by the Land Institute in Salina, Kansas for its oil-seed potential in a non-tillage permaculture system[183]. The yield of edible tubers is not very high. This species is closely related to H. giganteus[1]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. Plants have a running root system and can be invasive[1]. Special Features:Attracts birds, North American native, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Basal cuttings in spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.