Helenium spp., sneezeweed
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Perennials

Helenium spp.

sneezeweed

AsteraceaeCentral and eastern North America

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height18-60 inches (45-150 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A genus of clump-forming native perennials in the family Asteraceae, native to meadows, prairies, and moist areas across North America, with the majority of garden-worthy species from the central and eastern United States. Plants form upright clumps of leafy, winged stems 18–60 inches (45–150 cm) tall — height varies widely by species and cultivar. Leaves are lance-shaped to ovate, medium green, and decurrent (running down the stem to form wings). From midsummer through fall, stems produce an abundance of daisy-like flower heads 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) across with distinctive wedge-shaped ray florets (notched or reflexed at the tips) surrounding a prominent, dome-shaped or button-like disc in yellow-green to brown. Flower colors range from pure yellow through orange, copper, bronze, and mahogany-red, including bicolors. Modern cultivars of H. autumnale, H. hoopesii, and their hybrids offer compact growth, extended bloom, and intensified colors. Despite the common name, sneezeweed pollen is not wind-dispersed and does not cause hay fever; the name derives from historical use of dried leaves as snuff. All parts are toxic to livestock; some toxicity to pets.

Native Range

Native across much of North America, with greatest species diversity in the central and eastern United States. Helenium autumnale (common sneezeweed) ranges from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Arizona. Most species grow in moist to wet meadows, prairies, floodplains, and stream margins, but are adaptable to average garden soils.

Suggested Uses

Planted in perennial borders, native plantings, rain gardens, and pollinator gardens at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The warm orange, copper, and red tones combine powerfully with ornamental grasses, rudbeckias, and asters in late-summer borders. Essential plants for supporting late-season butterflies and bees. Cut flowers last 7–10 days in water.

How to Identify

Identified by upright leafy stems with decurrent leaf bases forming distinct wings along the stem, and daisy-like flower heads 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) across with distinctive wedge-shaped ray florets that reflex backward, exposing a prominent dome-shaped central disc. The winged stem (running the leaf base down the stem) is a reliable identifying feature. Bloom in midsummer through fall.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 5'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
orange
red
bronze
copper

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
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SummerFall
Blooms July through October depending on species and cultivar. H. hoopesii blooms earliest (June–July); most H. autumnale cultivars bloom August–October. Individual plants bloom for 6–10 weeks. Deadheading or cutting back by one-third in early summer (Chelsea chop) extends bloom and improves plant structure.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow, orange, copper, bronze, mahogany-red; bicolors

Foliage Description

medium green, decurrent (winged stems)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in average to moist, fertile, well-drained to moist soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Most species prefer consistently moist conditions; H. hoopesii tolerates drier soils. Water regularly during establishment and during dry spells; plants in dry soil tend to decline and become susceptible to powdery mildew. Cut back by one-third in late May to early June to reduce height, improve branching, and extend the blooming season. Divide every 2–3 years in early spring — clumps deteriorate at the center relatively quickly. Replant only healthy outer divisions.

Pruning

Cut back by one-third in late May to early June to produce a more compact, branching plant with more flower heads. Deadhead spent flower heads to extend bloom. After hard frost, cut all stems to ground level. Divide in early spring every 2–3 years, discarding the old center of the clump and replanting vigorous outer portions.

Pruning Schedule

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late springearly springfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets