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Asteraceae
Sneezeweed
Helenium autumnale
Tears, sympathy, autumn warmth.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Genus
- Helenium
- Native to
- North America
- Bloom season
- Summer, Fall
- Type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 90–150 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Moist, fertile
- Water
- Moderate to high
- Hardiness
- 3–8
- Lifespan
- Long-lived perennial
Did you know
- The name 'sneezeweed' comes from the historical practice of drying the leaves and inhaling the dust to induce sneezing — supposedly to expel evil spirits or relieve head colds.
- Its genus name honors Helen of Troy — legend says the flowers sprang up where her tears fell.
- The petals droop down from a raised central button, giving each flower the look of a tiny shuttlecock.
- Heleniums bloom when most summer perennials are exhausted, providing a fiery autumn show in red, orange, and gold tones.
- The flowers are powerful late-season nectar sources for native bees, hover flies, and migrating butterflies.
Color meanings
Red
Bittersweet love