Maryland Native Plants for Fall Interest

Helenium autumnale – Sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale, also 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. Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun. Prefers both rich and moist soils and is intolerant of dry soils. 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. Remove spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.

Typically grows 3-5 feet tall on rigid, distinctively winged stems which branch near the top. Features clusters of daisy-like flowers with distinctive wedge-shaped, bright yellow rays and prominent, dome-like, dull yellow center disks. Flowers appear over a lengthy late summer to autumn (sometimes to first frost) bloom as indicated by species name. Alternate, lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 6″ long). Host to the Dainty Sulphur butterfly.

Helenium autumnale mass planting

Helenium autumnale flower

Helenium autumnale in meadow