Sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale

A late summer species, this plant sends up a profusion of stems, each bearing a yellow compound flower with a disk that is thick and often hemispherical, and relatively short rays that are reflexed downward from the disk, giving a distinct appearance. Petals are wedge-shaped, narrower by the disk, and have a squared-off tip with notches.  Leaves are lance- shaped, almost linear, smooth- edged, and either sessile (no stalk) or clasping the main stems; leaves may be up to 6 inches long, and are usually 1 inch or less wide.

It does not cause sneezing, but because it blooms about the same time of year as ragweed, which is the main cause of hay fever, people have falsely attributed their allergies to this plant.

2-5 feet, sun - partial sun.

Late Summer-Autumn (August-October).

  Pink flowers appear in the leaf axils along the stems.

11 August 2020.

Swamp Loosestrife, 11 August 2020.