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Helenium flexuosum

Purple-Head Sneezeweed

Helenium flexuosum (Purple-Head Sneezeweed)

The very dark-colored disk distinguishes Purple-Head Sneezeweed from other species of sneezeweed which have yellow-green disks. On all sneezeweeds, the yellow ray petals have three lobes which distinguish sneezeweeds from Black-eyed Susan and other yellow coneflowers.




Occurs along pond margins and streambanks, in ditches, wet meadows, wet pastures and on moist areas of glades.

Additional Information:
H. flexuosum and other species in the genus contain a lactone known as Helenalin. This compound is poisonous to various animals but has anti-cancer properties. This species is often found standing alone in pastures as cows will not eat it. The plant is quite striking when in full flower.

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Height
24-36 Inches

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Spread
15-18 Inches

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
Medium Yellow


USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season. Must be kept moist. A good choice for wet areas.

Good Companions
Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium), Great St. John's Wort (Hypericum pyramidatum)

Characteristics & Attributes

Critter Resistance

Deer Resistant

Hydrologic Designation

FAC+

Nature Attracting

Beneficial Insects

Root

Fibrous

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)

Soil Moisture

Moderate

Special Uses

Fresh Cut Flower

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

USFS MO Ecological Map

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