Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Helenium autumnale is a North American species of flowering plants in the sunflower family. Common names include common sneezeweed and large-flowered sneezeweed. This plant is widespread across much of the United States and Canada, from Northwest Territories as far south as far northern California, Arizona, Louisiana, and Florida. It has not been found in southern or central California, New Hampshire, or the 4 Atlantic Provinces of Canada. Common sneezeweed is a perennial herb up to 130 cm (51 1-3 in; 4 1-3 ft) tall. In late summer and fall, one plant can produce as many as 100 yellow flower heads in a branching array. Each head has 11-21 ray florets surrounding sometimes as many as 800 disc florets. Distribution and habitat. This plant is widespread across much of the United States and Canada, from Northwest Territories as far south as far northern California, Arizona, Louisiana, and Florida. It has not been found in southern or central California, New Hampshire, or the 4 Atlantic Provinces of Canada. Common sneezeweed is cultivated as a garden perennial. There are multiple named varieties varying in color and height. 'Pumilum Magnificum' is a yellow variety about two feet tall. 'Bruno', a reddish brown cultivar, 'Kupfersprudel', which is yellow/orange, and 'Butterpat', which is golden, all grow 3 to 3. 5 feet (91 to 107 centimetres) tall. 'Chippersfield Orange' is up to 4 feet tall and is orange streaked with gold.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

3 - 5 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Fall, Summer

Special uses

Water features or wet habitats

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

Moderate

Soil description

Adaptable, tolerant of sand, loam and clay.

Sunset Zones

4*, 5*, 15, 16, 17*

Site type

Wet places

Plant communities

Alkali Sink, North Coastal Coniferous Forest, Sagebrush Scrub, Wetland-Riparian

Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 0 likely

Confirmed Likely

Dainty Sulphur

Nathalis iole