Helenium autumnale, sneezeweed, Helen’s flower

General Information: Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is an erect, clump-forming perennial that features unique wedge-shaped rays. Dozens of bright, yellow daisy-like flowers add color for late summer visual appeal, with a bonus of attracting many pollinators. Growing 3–5 feet tall and produces a profusion of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with dome-shaped centers from late summer into early fall. The blooms attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Cultivation Details: Grow in average soil in full sun. Cut back 6 weeks prior to flowering to keep more compact. Plants can reach up to 5’ in ideal situations. Good late season pollinator, blossoms July – September. Use for erosion control, aides in soil stabilization, helping to reduce erosion; restoration projects, or naturalzing; rain gardens or wet meadows. Tolerates seasonal flooding, as well as nutrient poor soil. Low maintenance.  Deer and rabbit resistant. Toxic to humans in higher doses. 

Growing Requirements:  Plants prefer good drainage, 6+ hours of sunlight, occasionally wet or moist soil.  Grows in average soil but prefers moist, rich or clay soil. Plants do not do well in very dry soil.  Very cold hardy, will grow in USDA zone 3. 

Fun Facts: Hypoallergenic (safe for pollen allergies). Used as a snuff, which is where the name was derived. Traditional uses include the treatment of colds and congestion (powdered leaves and flower heads to induce sneezing). Infusions of leaves were said to be used by native tribes as laxatives. Large, 2-3″ flowers cover the plants from July-September, which can rebloom in October; frost-tolerant. Excellent late season pollinator.