[2] 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.

[2] The lance-shaped leaves are narrow, rough, pointed, and folded down the midvein, and up to 30 cm (12 in) long on large plants.

[2] The flower heads are surrounded at the base by pointed green phyllaries which often stick straight out and curl at the tips.

[2] The thick rhizome is edible and provided a food similar to the Jerusalem artichoke for Native American groups such as the Sioux.