Family: Asteraceae
Author: (A.Gray) Bierner
Bibliography: Sida 16(1): 6 (1994)
Year: 1994
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hymenoxys
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. & WC. U.S.A.
Description
Orange-sneezeweed, scientifically known as Hymenoxys hoopesii, is a vibrant and resilient perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This striking plant is native to the western and west-central regions of the United States, where it is often found in meadows, prairies, and open forest areas.
Characterized by its robust and upright growth, Orange-sneezeweed typically reaches heights of 20 to 50 inches. The stems are strong and often produce multiple branches, each crowned with stunning yellow-orange flowers. These flowers are composed of numerous ray florets surrounding a central disk, giving the plant its distinctive daisy-like appearance. The foliage of Hymenoxys hoopesii is equally attractive, featuring lance-shaped leaves that add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant.
Blooming from late spring to early fall, Orange-sneezeweed provides a vital source of nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a pollinator-friendly landscape.
Apart from its ornamental value, Hymenoxys hoopesii has traditionally been used in folk medicine by Native American tribes, who utilized its properties to treat a variety of ailments. While its common name, “sneezeweed,” might suggest otherwise, the plant is not actually related to sneezing but was historically used to produce snuff, which induced sneezing to clear nasal passages.
Hymenoxys hoopesii is relatively low maintenance and can thrive in various soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils. It is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a hardy addition to wildflower gardens and naturalized areas.
Whether used in a garden setting or left to flourish in its native habitats, Orange-sneezeweed is a remarkable plant that brings both ecological benefits and aesthetic beauty to the landscape. For further reading on this species, refer to Sida 16(1): 6 (1994) by (A.Gray) Bierner.
Common Names
Swe: gullstake
Eng: orange-sneezeweed, owl’s-claws, western-sneezeweed
En: Orange-sneezeweed, Owl’s-claws, Western-sneezeweed
Sv: Gullstake
Synonyms
- Heleniastrum hoopesii ((A.Gray) Kuntze)
- Helenium hoopesii (A.Gray)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 10, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 5, 2010 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3150175)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:979217-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hymenoxys hoopesii (A.Gray) Bierner)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
