Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

Common Sneezeweed

(Helenium autumnale)

aarongunnar

CC BY 4.0

Image By: aarongunnar

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Helenium autumnale, commonly known as Common Sneezeweed, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including moist meadows, wet prairies, along streams, and in damp open woodlands across the Eastern, Central and Intermountain USA, as well as parts of the Western U.S. and Canada. It typically grows up to 130 cm (51+1⁄3 in; 4+1⁄3 ft) tall. The plant features numerous yellow flower heads from late summer to fall, with each head consisting of 11–21 ray florets and up to 800 disc florets, creating a showy display. The dark green leaves are alternate and lance-shaped. The specific epithet ’autumnale’ refers to its autumn blooming period.

Common Sneezeweed is valued for its late-season blooms, which add vibrant color to gardens when many other plants have finished flowering. It is often used in borders, wildflower gardens, and as cut flowers. This plant is adaptable to a range of soil moisture conditions and is known for its ease of maintenance. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade and requires soils with good drainage. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot. Cultivars offer variations in color and height, with some being more compact or having flowers in shades of orange, red, and brown.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 3-5 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Orange, Red, Yellow
Flowering Season: Fall, Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows, wet prairies, along streams, and damp open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Fall Sneezeweed, Mountain Sneezeweed, Large-Flowered Sneezeweed, Solbrud, Bitterweed, False Sunflower

Scientific Names: , Helenium autumnale, Helenium autumnale var. montanum, Helenium autumnale var. grandiflorum, Helenium autumnale var. fylesii, Helenium autumnale var. parviflorum, Helenium autumnale var. autumnale, Helenium montanum, Helenium autumnale var. canaliculatum, Helenium commutatum

GBIF Accepted Name: Helenium autumnale L.