Helenium autumnale, commonly known as Sneezeweed, is a vibrant native perennial wildflower found in wet meadows, streambanks, and prairies across Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growing 3 to 5 feet tall, this plant produces clusters of daisy-like yellow to golden-orange flowers from late summer into fall, with distinctive wedge-shaped petals and prominent central disks. These long-blooming flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Sneezeweed a valuable addition to pollinator gardens and naturalized areas.
Despite its name, Sneezeweed does not cause allergies—the name originates from its historic use in powdered form as a snuff. It has a clumping growth habit and does not spread aggressively, making it easier to manage in garden settings compared to some other natives. Helenium autumnale pairs beautifully with other late-blooming natives such as New England Aster, Ironweed, and Blue Vervain. It's an excellent choice for rain gardens, moist borders, and restoring native wetland habitats.
Helenium autumnale, commonly known as Sneezeweed, is a vibrant native perennial wildflower found in wet meadows, streambanks, and prairies across Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growing 3 to 5 feet tall, this plant produces clusters of daisy-like yellow to golden-orange flowers from late summer into fall, with distinctive wedge-shaped petals and prominent central disks. These long-blooming flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Sneezeweed a valuable addition to pollinator gardens and naturalized areas.
Despite its name, Sneezeweed does not cause allergies—the name originates from its historic use in powdered form as a snuff. It has a clumping growth habit and does not spread aggressively, making it easier to manage in garden settings compared to some other natives. Helenium autumnale pairs beautifully with other late-blooming natives such as New England Aster, Ironweed, and Blue Vervain. It's an excellent choice for rain gardens, moist borders, and restoring native wetland habitats.
Bloom: fall
Habitats: abandoned fields; ditches; fens; low areas along streams and ponds; marshes; moist black soil prairies; moist meadows along rivers; moist meadows in wooded areas; moist open woodlands; poorly drained pastures; soggy thickets
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 5 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: containing loam or silt that is relatively high in organic material
