Maximilian sunflower, Helianthus dalyiBritton

Helianthus maximilianiis a North American species ofsunflowerknown by the common nameMaximilian sunflower. This sunflower is named forPrince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, who encountered it on his travels in North America.Helianthus maximilianiis native to theGreat Plainsin central North America, and naturalized inthe eastern and western parts of the continent. It is now found fromBritish ColumbiatoMaine, south to theCarolinas,Chihuahua, andCalifornia. The plant thrives in a number of ecosystems, particularly across the plains in central Canada and the United States. It is also cultivated as anornamental. Uses The thick rhizome is edible and provided a food similar to the Jerusalem artichoke for Native American groups such as the Sioux. The flower heads are attractive to insects and the fruits are eaten by birds.[citation needed] Livestock eat portions of the plant, and the seeds are eaten by various wildlife. The Land Institute, a perennial agriculture research center located in Salina, Kansas, run by Wes Jackson is experimenting with this species to create a perennial oilseed grain crop that does not necessitate replanting each season. This sunflower is named for Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, who encountered it on his travels in North America. Helianthus maximiliani is native to the Great Plains in central North America, and naturalized in the eastern and western parts of the continent. It is now found from British Columbia to Maine, south to the Carolinas, Chihuahua...