Species sneezeweed
yellow flowers with brown stamens, red central tints, green stems, and spear-like, green leaves

sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is an herbaceous perennial that produces bright yellow flowers in the late summer. This North American native plant typically grows to a height of 1 1/2 to 3 feet (45cm-90cm), thrives in moist, slightly acidic soil, and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its blooms last from August to October and can be used for cut flower arrangements. The plant is aptly named as its leaves can cause a reaction when crushed, similar to sneezing. In addition, the leaves of sneezeweed contain coumarin, and it was once used to treat colds.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow rays and dull yellow center disks Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Loamy Clay Humus

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Sneezeweed should be watered once a week, with about 1 inch of water. It prefers moisture, so aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. You may need to water slightly more often during hot, dry spells. Once the foliage starts to discolor, back off on the amount of water applied.

sunlight

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) thrives in sunny conditions with at least 6 hours of direct sun every day. It can also tolerate partial shade, but its flower production and color will not be as vibrant as with full sun. The best time for sunlight on sneezeweed plants is from mid-morning to late afternoon, when the sun is at its peak. Potted sneezeweed should be placed in a sunny spot that receives full sunlight for most of the day, and if grown outdoors, it should be placed in a warm, sheltered spot in the garden.

pruning

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) should be pruned once per year in late winter or early spring. To prune, simply cut the stems back to 3 or 4 inches above the soil surface. This will ensure healthy, vibrant blooms during the growing season. When pruning, it is important to avoid cutting the plant too deeply as this can damage the plant and inhibit flowering. Additionally, it is important to remove any dead or dying stems as these can harbor disease and weaken the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Sneezeweed typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Sneezeweed typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Are Sneezeweed flowers suitable for bouquets?

Sneezeweed flowers are not typically used for bouquets due to their large size and bushy shape. The flowers are usually dried and used in other craft projects or for medicinal purposes. If you wanted to use dried Sneezeweed in your bouquet, they would provide a unique and eye-catching contrast against the other greenery in the bouquet.

Should Sneezeweed be planted in groups or individually?

Sneezeweed should be planted in groups, as groupings of this flower look the best in the garden. Planting them in groups will not only make them look more appealing but will also provide helpful cover for its shallow roots. Additionally, planting them in large groupings can help it to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, providing a habitat where they can feed off the nectar-filled blooms. For best results, it's suggested to plant groupings of three to five plants for a lush, full look.

Is Sneezeweed resistant to deer damage?

Sneezeweed is a perennial flower with a resiliency to deer damage. It has a hairy leaf texture which deters deer from browsing on it and it produces a strong aroma that most deer tend to stay away from. The stems of the plant are also relatively tough, and not easily broken off. All in all, it is considered to be deer-resistant, but not completely deer-proof. It's important to monitor the plant to make sure it is not being overbrowsed and to take steps to protect it, if necessary.

Could Sneezeweed be grown as a cut flower crop?

Yes, sneezeweed can be grown as a cut flower crop. It is an attractive and abundant flower that has a daisy-like bloom. These flowers come in a variety of colors like yellow, orange, white, and burgundy. They are striking flowers with large, paper-like petals. They can be grown in full sun to partial shade and they prefer moist soil and regular watering. Sneezeweed flowers can be harvested for bouquets and other floral arrangements, and their cheerful blooms can brighten up any home or garden.

Do Sneezeweed plants require staking?

Sneezeweed plants do not typically require staking as they have quite sturdy stems that can easily hold their own weight. Depending on the size of the plant and the growing conditions, it is possible that staking may be needed to keep it upright. However, since the plant stems are so strong and rigid, it is typically not necessary.

Is Sneezeweed a good choice for erosion control?

Yes, Sneezeweed can be a good choice for erosion control. It is a vigorous, economical low maintenance plant with deep roots that make it ideal for quick soil stabilization and improved water quality. Its flat-topped blossoms provide cover for wildlife, making it a popular choice for natural areas. The plant's quick growth and large, thick foliage make it great for reducing erosion on slopes, shores, and other areas where fast-growing, hardy plants are desired.

Are there different varieties of sneezeweed?

Yes, there are different varieties of sneezeweed. Sneezeweed is a flowering plant in the daisy family, also known as Helenium. It produces yellow, red, orange, bronze and purple flowers from July to October. There are numerous species of sneezeweed; some of the most popular types are 'Mardi Gras', 'Autumnale', 'Red Rubin', 'Tahoka Daisy' and 'Kobold'. Each variety of sneezeweed is unique in its coloring, flower size and flowering period.