Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Maximilian's Sunflower
Helianthus maximiliani [C-value
0]
Aster family (Asteraceae)
Blooms August
The western states native Maximilian's Sunflower is uncommon in our area. It prefers full sun and medium to dry moisture. Habitats include rocky upland prairies, hill prairies, ledges of rocky cliffs and roadsides. This perennial is 3-8' tall, unbranched and its central stem is stout, round, and densely covered with short white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 12" long and 2" across, lance-shaped and covered with fine white hairs. From the axils of the upper leaves, there are short flowering stalks bearing a single composite flower 2–3½" across with 20-40 bright yellow ray florets surrounding numerous disk florets.
Maxmilian's Sunflower at Blackberry Trail Forest Preserve August 22, 2014
Maxmilian's Sunflower foliage at Blackberry Trail Forest Preserve August 22, 2014
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