Book Description

A plant materials report on Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) is provided as Section 7.4.3 of the US Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Resources Management Manual. The report was prepared as a guide to assist the project biologist/natural resources manager with the selection, establishment, an management of appropriate plant materials for wildlife and habitat development programs. Major topics covered are description, distribution, habitat requirements, wildlife value, establishment, maintenance, and cautions and limitations. Maximilian sunflower is a perennial forb native to the tall- and mixed-grass prairie region of the central United States and south- central Canada. The sunflower is known to provide food and cover for a variety of wildlife species, especially nongame birds. The species is also used for soil stabilization an site reclamation, and the showy yellow flowers make it popular for landscaping. Two cultivars are presently available for use in conservation plantings. The species grows best on medium sandy to clayey loams on sites that receive more than 14 in. (36 cm) of annual precipitation. Plants are tolerant of fire and moderately tolerant of drought and shade, but are unable to withstand saline soils and heavy grazing. Established plants are highly competitive unless management practices are employed to reduce their vigor. This report provides specifications for site selection and preparation, propagule selection, planting, and maintenance of Maximilian sunflower to improve wildlife habitat conditions within its region of greatest management use. Habitat improvement, Plant materials, Helianthus maximiliani, Wildlife food, Maximilian sunflower, Wildlife management.