Common sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale, Sp. Pl.: 886 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 886 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Helenium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to U.S.A.

Description

Common Sneezeweed, scientifically known as Helenium autumnale, is a captivating and vibrant flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. The plant was first described in Carl Linnaeus’s seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, which solidified its scientific significance and classification.

Helenium autumnale is indigenous to a wide range that stretches from subarctic regions of North America down to the United States. This adaptability to different climates makes it a resilient and versatile species. Often found in moist meadows, along streambanks, and in wetland areas, Common Sneezeweed thrives in environments that range from temperate to cool.

Characterized by its bright, sunny blooms, Common Sneezeweed produces clusters of daisy-like flowers that typically showcase yellow petals and prominent central disks, although variations with reddish or orange hues can also be observed. These flowers appear from late summer to autumn, providing a splash of color when many other plants are beginning to fade.

The foliage of Helenium autumnale is composed of toothed, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately along erect stems. The plant can grow to heights of up to 1.5 meters (around 5 feet), creating an impressive presence in gardens and natural landscapes.

Despite its charming appearance, the name “sneezeweed” originates from the historical use of its dried leaves in powdered form as an ingredient in snuff, which was inhaled to induce sneezing and supposedly rid the body of evil spirits. However, all parts of the plant contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested by humans or animals, thus care should be taken when handling it.

Gardeners and horticulturists value Common Sneezeweed for its low-maintenance nature and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecological health of the area where it is planted. It is also resistant to common garden pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for sustainable gardening practices.

To cultivate Helenium autumnale successfully, it is best to plant it in a location that receives full sun and has well-drained to slightly moist soil. Once established, the plant requires minimal care, although regular watering during dry periods will help maintain its vibrant blooms.

Whether used in naturalistic plantings, garden borders, or as part of a pollinator-friendly garden, Common Sneezeweed is a valuable and beautiful addition to any landscape. Its long-lasting flowers and ecological benefits ensure that it remains a favorite among plant enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

Common Names

Eng: common sneezeweed, fall sneezeweed, mountain sneezeweed, sneezeweed, swamp sunflower
Deu: gewöhnliche sonnenbraut, herbst-sonnenbraut
Fra: hélénium, hélénie automnale, hélénie d’automne
Dan: høst-solbrud
Swe: solbrud
Cym: blodau tisian, blodyn tisian
En: Common sneezeweed, Sneezeweed, Fall sneezeweed, Mountain sneezeweed, Swamp sunflower
Da: Høst-solbrud
Fr: Hélénie automnale, Hélénium, Hélénie d’automne
De: Gewöhnliche Sonnenbraut, Herbst-Sonnenbraut
Sv: Solbrud
Cy: Blodau Tisian, Blodyn Tisian

Synonyms

• Helenium grandiflorum (Nutt.)
• Helenium altissimum (Link)
• Helenium longifolium (Sm.)
• Helenium pumilum (Willd.)
• Helenium autumnale var. pubescens ((Aiton) Pursh)
• Helenium autumnale var. parviflorum ((Nutt.) Fernald)
• Helenium autumnale var. tubuliflorum ((DC.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Helenium autumnale var. subintegerrimum (Regel)
• Helenium autumnale var. pumilum ((Willd.) Voss)
• Helenia autumnalis ((L.) Gaertn.)
• Heleniastrum autumnale ((L.) Kuntze)
• Helenium canaliculatum (Lam.)
• Helenium latifolium (Mill.)
• Heleniastrum montanum (Nieuwl. & Lunell)
• Helenium autumnale var. fylesii (B.Boivin)
• Helenium parviflorum (Nutt.)
• Helenium autumnale var. canaliculatum ((Lam.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Helenium autumnale var. grandiflorum ((Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Helenium autumnale var. longifolium ((Sm.) Voss)
• Helenium autumnale rubrum (J.R.Duncan & V.C.Davies)
• Helenium tubuliflorum (DC.)
• Helenium autumnale var. montanum ((Nutt.) Fernald)
• Helenium commutatum (Link)
• Helenium macranthum (Rydb.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Tadzhikistan (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Herbert loessel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2021 by ilaria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2021 by Pieter Verbrugghe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2020 by Ondřej Krajtl (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Paul Henrich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2019 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2020 by Quique León Vazquez (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Hill Paige (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2019 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2020 by Paul Henrich (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Robert Stevens (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Anna Marisa (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 7, 2015 by EOL − David E. Syckle II (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 22, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 19, 2021 by guinnevere lowe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2020 by guinnevere lowe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by c i (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5401877)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:211760-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Helenium autumnale L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 4.0