Helenium autumnale
Helenium autumnale, commonly called sneezeweed, is an erect, clump-forming, native perennial which occurs in moist soils along streams, ponds or ditches and in spring-fed meadows, prairie and wet open ground. Features clusters of daisy-like flowers with distinctive wedge-shaped, bright yellow rays (three-lobed at the tips) and prominent, dome-like, dull yellow center disks. Flowers appear over a lengthy late summer to autumn (sometimes to first frost) as indicated by species name.
Care:
Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun. Prefers rich, moist soils. Intolerant of dry soils. Avoid overfertilization which may cause plants to grow too tall. Although not required, plants may be cut back in early June (at least six weeks before normal flowering) to reduce plant height and to encourage branching, thus leading to a more floriferous bloom, healthier foliage and less need for support. Remove spent flowers to encourage additional bloom. Cut back plants by half after flowering. Divide clumps as needed (every 3-4 years) to maintain vigor.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 3.00 to 5.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: August to October
Bloom Description: Yellow rays and dull yellow center disks
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil