Maximilian Sunflower
Flowering heads have from 10 to 25
yellow ray flowers, surrounding a central cluster of yellow,
disc flowers. Involucral bracts are narrow and lance-shaped.
Leaves are lance-shaped, very narrow, and occur individually
on the stem. Leaf margins are either smooth or have well-spaced,
small, inconspicuous teeth. The base of the leaf blade extends
along the petiole in a "wing-like" manner to join the
stem. The upper part of the stem may have a zig-zag appearance
like that of the compass plant. Flowering heads emerge individually
from the leaf axils, forming a row along the upper part of the
stem. Blooms from August into October, in prairies and prairie
plantings. Helianthus maximiliani differs from S. integrifolium,
with which it may occur, by having narrower leaves and narrower
involucral bracts. Native to N. A.
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