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Helenium autumnale

Common Sneezeweed is a showy upright perennial in the sunflower family. Bright yellow disc flowers have 3-toothed petals that droop away from round yellow centers in late summer and early fall. They are a fantastic pollinator plant and are frequently visited by native bees. As petals fall away and seeds mature, they are enjoyed by songbirds. Common Sneezeweed gets its common name from it being used to induce sneezing. Since they are showy and can grow up to five feet, they could be used as a specimen planting in a cottage garden. Preferring moist soil, they can withstand occasional flooding, making good use for a rain garden as well. This plant is reported to be deer and rabbit resistant.

Key Info

Scientific Name: Helenium autumnale
Common Names: Common Sneezeweed
Protected Plant Species: No
Light Requirement: ,
Moisture Requirement: ,
Leaf Retention:
Bloom Times: , , ,
Flower Color: Yellow with orange center
Special Characteristics: ,

Additional Info

Habit: Clumping, erect
Height: 3-5'
Spread: 2-3'
Soil Conditions: Clay, high organic matter
Leaves: Alternate, oblong, lanceolate, dentate margin
Flowers (or reproductive structures: Wheel shaped flower, ball shaped center with 3-lobed petals that droop away from center
Fruit: October-November, nutlets
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FACW (Eastern Mountains and Piedmont), FACW (Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain)
Pollination: Attracts native bees
Wildlife Connections: Songbirds eat the seeds
Propagation: Seed, division