Helenium autumnale

Home » Plants » Helenium autumnale
Helenium Autumnale 5 Helenium Autumnale 2 Helenium Autumnale Helenium Autumnale 1
Helenium Autumnale 5 Helenium Autumnale 2 Helenium Autumnale Helenium Autumnale 1

Helenium autumnale

Common Name: Sneezeweed

Sneezeweed is a native perennial reaching 2 to 5 feet in height. It thrives in swamps, along streambanks, and in wet prairies. Its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom from late summer into fall, attracting bees and butterflies. Despite its name, it does not cause sneezing but was historically used to make snuff. In gardens, it provides late-season color and works well in rain gardens and naturalized plantings.

Characteristics

Product Form Plant, Seed
Type Forb
Sun Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil Clay, Loam, Sand/Gravel, Calcareous
Moisture Mesic, Wet
Average Max Height (inches) 36
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches) 18
Bloom month(s) August, September, October
Bloom Color or Type Yellow
Dominance Medium

Range Maps

Sowing Information

For most homeowners, the recommended method is to hand-broadcast seed at a minimum rate of 16–64 PLS (Pure Live Seed) ounces per acre. To ensure even coverage, broadcast the seed in perpendicular passes across the site. Grass seed should be broadcast first and lightly raked into the soil. Afterward, apply a light mulch layer using clean, seed-free straw or, preferably, our native Little Bluestem straw, available at our retail garden centers. Once mulching is complete, broadcast native wildflower seed over the area without raking it in. A good rainfall or thorough watering will provide sufficient soil contact for successful germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.