Gardening: The Grand Maximilans
Maximilian sunflowers (Helianthus maximiliani) have now come into bloom. These large showy sunflowers spend an inordinate amount of time growing without any flowers until the days begin to shorten as autumn arrives. This sunflower is one of the very last plants to bloom before winter. There’s an important reason that probably involves species evolving during the same time-frame. Migrating wildlife and blooming plants. The Monarchs enroute to central Mexico depend on the high-energy nectar in blooms. Goldfinches that travel to the southern US and northern Mexico, as well as non-migratory quail, white-winged doves, mourning doves and songbirds, eat the seeds. Stands of Maximilian sunflowers serve as feeding stations.
