Common Sneezeweed
Helenium autumnale
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © jward199 (iNaturalist #20210505)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Helenium
- Species:
- Helenium autumnale
- USDA Symbol:
- HEAU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, orange, red
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
blackberry looper (Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria), clearwing borer (Carmenta ithacae), Impecunious Borer Moth (Papaipema impecuniosa), Rigid Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens), Zadontomerus Ashmead
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, well-drained loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers wet meadows and stream banks
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil and keep warm.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Notes: Seeds require cold-moist stratification for optimal germination.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. If no germination in 3 months, try 4C 1-2 months, then 20C again.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- North Creek Nurseries (nursery)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)