Helenium autumnale (Common Helenium)

• Scientific Name: Helenium autumnale
• Common Name: Common Helenium, Sneezeweed
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Water: Medium to wet
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates clay and poor soils
• Height: 3-5 feet
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
• Lifespan: Perennial
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming

Additional Information: Helenium autumnale is a late-season bloomer, producing bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that provide an important nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when many other flowers have faded. Despite the name, it doesn’t cause sneezing - the "sneezeweed" nickname comes from its historical use as dried, powdered leaves in snuff in order to rid the body of evil spirits. This plant is poisonous and ingesting any part of it is not recommended. It thrives in rain gardens, wet meadows, and naturalized landscapes, tolerating poor soils and standing water better than many other native plants. Its tall, upright habit makes it a great choice for the back of a flower bed or along pond edges, adding bold color and structure to fall landscapes.