Sneezeweed (helenium) Helenium autumnale
Sneezeweed (helenium) (Helenium autumnale) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to North America (wet meadows). It grows 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Sneezeweed (helenium) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | North America (wet meadows) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Sneezeweed (helenium) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts
Contains sesquiterpene lactones (helenalin); poisonous to livestock. The name refers to snuff, not hay fever.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Sneezeweed (helenium)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Sneezeweed (helenium)
- How far apart should I plant Sneezeweed (helenium)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Sneezeweed (helenium) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sneezeweed (helenium) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Sneezeweed (helenium)?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Sneezeweed (helenium) flower?
- From about August for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Sneezeweed (helenium) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains sesquiterpene lactones (helenalin); poisonous to livestock. The name refers to snuff, not hay fever.
- What grows well with Sneezeweed (helenium)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sneezeweed (helenium). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Late-summer daisies in rust, copper and gold with a domed centre; a mainstay of naturalistic planting. Keep moist.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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