Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) is a native perennial that grows from a stout rhizome to a height of 3-10 feet with rough, slender, tall, erect stems and alternately arranged leaves are covered in rough hairs. Numerous 3- to 6-inch yellow flower heads grow on their own stalks. It blooms from July through fall providing provides nectar to bees and butterflies, followed by a heavy crop of seeds that are eaten by numerous species of birds. The plant is deer and drought resistant and grows in full sun.