narrowleaf sunflower

Helianthus maximiliani

characteristics

Perennial with a tall, stout central stem, covered with dense white hair. Leaves, also hairy, are coarse with wavy edges. Stalks produce numerous large, yellow flowerheads with green to dark brown centres. Rhizomatous, often forming dense clusters. Tends to be single-stemmed when growing in the wild but forms a dense, multi-stemmed bush when planted in a garden setting. Spreads readily by seed. Can be weedy; grows just about anywhere. Also known as chocolate sunflower, as it smells like dark chocolate.

196,360 seeds/pound; starts from seed, bare root, division, container.

habitat

Mixed and tallgrass prairie, floodplains, ditches, disturbed sites.

uses

Provides winter cover and seed for birds.
Nectar source for bees and butterflies. A favourite hangout for ambush bugs.
Various parts of this plant used as food, oil, dye and thread by North American aboriginals.