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Asteraceae Family - "Sneezeweed, Staggerwort, Swamp Sunflower"
Helenium comes from the Greek name for this plant, named after Helen of Troy; autumnale meaning "of autumn", named for its blooming time.
Common to most of the eastern US in marshes, moist prairies, fens and sedge meadows. Can reach over 6 feet tal and has many, many yellow blossoms up to 2 inches across. Blooms from August to October.
Native Americans and early settlers both used the powdered flower heads to induce sneezing. Sheep, cattle and horses can be poisoned by eating large quantities of the flower heads. Cows grazing on Sneezeweed will produce milk with a bitter taste.
This is an easy plant to grow and makes a nice addition to any prairie garden.
