Common sneezeweed

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Common sneezeweed head

Common sneezeweed inflorescence

Common sneezeweed leaf

Common sneezeweed

Common sneezeweed winged stem

Morphology

Stem

Erect, much-branched above, winged, moderately to densely pubescent.

Leaves

Alternate, mostly cauline, basal withering early; petiole present or absent; blade oblanceolate to elliptic, 1.2 to 4.8 inches long, .03 to 1.6 inches wide, margins dentate to entire, surfaces gland-dotted.

Inflorescence

Heads 5-100, radiate, solitary or in panicle-like or corymb-like arrays. Involucres globose. Phyllaries lanceolate to linear, strongly reflexed.

Flower

Ray florets 10-20, pistillate, fertile; corolla yellow, .3 to .6 inch. Disk florets 200-800, bisexual, fertile; corolla yellow.

Fruit

Achenes reddish brown, obpyramidal, 4-5-angled, .04 to .08, moderately pubescent, especially on ribs; pappus of 5-7 tiny, transparent scales.

Ecology

Habitat

Mesic tallgrass prairies, swales, and wetlands

Distribution

East 1/3 of Kansas

Practical Information

Toxicity

Will cause neurologic problems in horses and sheep when grazed.

Uses

The flowers and leaves of various species of Helenium have been used as a snuff to induce sneezing to clear congested nasal passages, as fish poisons, and in the treatment of intestinal worms.

Additional Notes