Maximilian sunflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maximilian sunflower |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Helianthus
|
| Species: |
maximiliani
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) is a tall, beautiful plant. It is a type of sunflower that grows naturally in North America. People often call it by its common name, Maximilian sunflower.
This plant was named after Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied. He was a German explorer who saw this sunflower during his travels in North America.
Maximilian sunflowers are originally from the Great Plains region. This is in the middle of North America. They have also spread to other parts of the continent. You can now find them from British Columbia in Canada to Maine in the eastern USA. They grow south to the Carolinas, Chihuahua in Mexico, and California. These sunflowers grow well in many different places. They especially like the open plains of central Canada and the United States. Sometimes, people also grow them in gardens because they are pretty.
What Does It Look Like?
The Maximilian sunflower is a plant that comes back every year. It grows from a thick underground stem called a rhizome. This plant can grow very tall, from about 50 to 300 centimeters (20 to 120 inches). That's like 1.7 to 10 feet!
Its stems are thin, tall, and stand straight up. The leaves are arranged one after another along the stem. Both the stems and the leaves feel rough because they are covered in tiny hairs.
The leaves are long and narrow, shaped like a spear. They come to a point at the end. Often, they are folded down their middle vein. Large plants can have leaves up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long.
The Flowers
The plant's flower heads look like one big flower. But they are actually made of many tiny flowers. At the bottom of the flower head are green, pointed leaves called phyllaries. These often stick straight out and curl at their tips.
The center of the flower head is full of small, brown flowers with yellow tips. These are called disc florets. Around the edge are bright yellow, petal-like flowers. These are called ray florets. They are usually 2 to 4 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long.
How Does It Grow?
Maximilian sunflowers can make new plants in two ways. They produce seeds, which can grow into new sunflowers. They also spread by growing new shoots from their underground rhizomes. This is called vegetative sprouting.
Uses of Maximilian Sunflower
The thick underground rhizome of this sunflower is edible. It tastes a bit like a Jerusalem artichoke. Native American groups, such as the Sioux, used these rhizomes as a food source.
The bright flower heads attract many different insects. Birds enjoy eating the seeds that form after the flowers bloom. Farm animals, like cows, also eat parts of the plant. Various wild animals also feed on the seeds.
Scientists are also studying this plant for farming. The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas, is a research center. They are looking at Maximilian sunflower to create a special grain crop. This new crop would be a perennial plant. This means it would grow back every year without needing to be replanted. This could be a great way to grow food in the future!
