Maximilian Sunflower Wildflower Garden Plugs
(Helianthus maximilliani)
Height 3-8’
pH 5-8
Zones 4-10
Soils: most common in prairie clays, but will also thrive in a variety of moist to dry soils.
Named for the German explorer/naturalist, Prince Maximilian, who led an expedition through the American West in the 1830’s, this native herbaceous perennial sunflower ranges in rich prairie soils mostly west of the Mississippi river from Texas to Canada, and east of the Rockies, but has naturalized elsewhere in the states. This is a fun one to grow, and such a beautiful plant with the contrast of the grey-green foliage and heavy flushes of showy yellow flowers that bloom summer into fall. All sorts of wildlife enjoy it as well. Maximillian can form large colonies (its definitely a spreader), but agriculture in the Great Plains has pushed this important species back into ditches and turnrows. You can help get more of it back by planting it in your own pastures, openings, and any sunny area you want to enhance with diversity.
The brilliant yellow flowers that provide nectar and pollen to all sorts of insects and bees, give way to large quantities of small sunflower seeds that birds, and mammals such as ground squirrels, groundhogs devour. The leaves are eaten by butterfly larvae such as the silvery checkerspot butterfly and border patch butterfly, and the stems host caterpillars of several of the boring moths. Rabbits and deer (moderate preference) will also eat the young leaves. Cattle will graze on them as well, and make a wonderful addition to pastures for the rotational grazing of cattle. Although not as prolific as its relative, the sunchoke sunflower (Helianthus tuberosa), the rhizomes (roots) are edible, as are the young shoots.
Live plants and seedlings: Orders without a specific ship date selected at check out are shipped via UPS the first shipping day following the day the order is received. In order to ensure our live plants and seedlings are delivered in the best shape we do not ship on Friday Saturday or Sunday. You may select a shipping date up to six weeks from purchase date at check out.
Pre-Ordered Live plants and seedlings: Pre Ordered live plants and seedlings will be shipped when the stock is up to standard beginning in October or Fall Pre Orders and March for Spring Pre Orders. Shipping for pre-orders is calculated on our standard shipping rates and is in addition to any in stock live plant or seedling charges on you order. All shipping is due at the time of purchase, notifications and tracking will be sent when the order ships.
Native Seed and Forb Blends : Native Seed and Forb blends are custom blended and shipped via UPS from Kentucky please allow three days from the day the order is received until shipment. We do not ship Native Seeds and Forb Blends on Saturday or Sunday.
No Refund Policy:
Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries (Nativ Nurseries) guarantees that our product will arrive in good condition, alive, and true to its name as labeled. We take care in packaging our products. If your order is incorrect or does not arrive in good condition, contact our customer service desk within five (5) business days from your receipt of the product to report any mistake in your order or damage to the product. No refunds will be given however but, we will fix our mistake or rectify any damage by replacing the product at our expense. Nativ Nurseries makes no warranty, expressed or implied for any certain rate of growth or productivity for any of our plant products. Nativ Nurseries will not be responsible for crop failure, damage to products after the customer has received an order, or injuries due to non-recommended zone planting, frost damage, or any man made or natural cause beyond our control. Nativ Nurseries will consider replacing an order if a claim is made in writing or e-mail within five (5) business days from your receipt of the product explaining in detail what problems have occurred. However, Nativ Nurseries reserves the right to refuse replacement at any time.
