Herb: Maximillian Sunflower


Latin name: Helianthus maximilianii


Synonyms: Helianthus maximiliani


Family: Compositae



Edible parts of Maximillian Sunflower:

Tubers - raw or cooked. Similar in flavour to Jerusalem artichokes, but lower yielding. Seed - raw or cooked. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
2.4 m
(7 3/4 foot)

Flowering:
September
to October

Habitat of the herb:

Rich prairies, usually on drier soils. Low moist areas, roadsides and prairies in Texas, often forming large colonies.

Propagation of Maximillian Sunflower:

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.

Cultivation of the herb:

Rich prairies, usually on drier soils. Low moist areas, roadsides and prairies in Texas, often forming large colonies.

Medicinal use of Maximillian Sunflower:

None known

Known hazards of Helianthus maximilianii:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.