Helenium autumnale
fall sneezeweed
 
Sometimes a species will have a name that keeps people from bringing it home, "swamp" and "weed" being two "non-favorites". So this one always surprises us as we often hear customers exclaim "SNEEZEweed!?" and then almost invariably put at least one in their shopping carts. Our customers are a wonderful and enigmatic bunch.
 
These are some of our favorite Autumn flowers as they have very bright unique shapes that are a real standout. They somehow bring to mind...graphic mid-century modern flowers?
 
According to Wikipedia, "The plant owes its name to the use of its dried leaves in snuff, the inhaling of which causes sneezing." The pollen from Helenium autumnale does not cause allergies. So don't worry about the plant causing you to sneeze...unless you plan to dry the leaves into snuff that is (we do NOT recommend).
 
You'll find this species growing in the wild in moist open places, even wet spots, but it will tolerate average soil as well. Full sun or part sun is ideal.
 
Plants can be purchased in-person or online (with in-person pick-up). All online orders will be ready for pick-up 24-72 hours after purchase. You will receive an email to let you know when your order is ready. We kindly ask that you pick-up any orders within one week of purchase. 
 
photo by Agnieszka Kwiecien