Common Sneeze Weed Helenium autumnale

  • Photo © stickerburr, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
  • Photo by Melissa Reckner
  • Photo © Lauren Pitt, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
  • Photo © Zach Coury, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
  • Photo © jacobengel, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)

About This Plant

Numerous daisy-like flowers provide late season color and are an important source of pollen for insects. Despite its name, sneezeweed pollen is distributed by insects, not the wind! A report by Mt. Cuba Center states that the "name's true origins come from the use of powdered Helenium plants as a substitute for snuff and as a medicine by European colonists and Native Americans." This would be a great rain garden plant. It may become floppy in very rich soil or too much shade, so consider staking it or planting next to a more rigid structure.

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These plants should also do well in similar growing conditions. Consider adding them to your Garden Board.