MAXIMILIAN SUNFLOWER, Helianthus maximiliani Schrad. 1, plant in flower; 2, disk flower; 3, ray flower. Perennial, reproducing by seed and fleshy roots and thickened rhizomes. Stem stout and rough, 1 to 5 feet (0.3 to 1.5 m) tall. Leaves numerous, alternate or lower ones opposite, lanceolate, 3 to 7 inches (7.5 to 17.5 cm) long, with short petioles or none at all, rough on both sides, folding in drying. Flower heads 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in diameter, few to many, ray and disk flowers both yellow. Seed gray, mottled with black, wedge-shaped, flattened, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) long. Found on dry prairies and in pastures.