PLANT NATIVE

Helen’s Flower, Helenium autumnale Height: 4-6’ | Spread: 24” | Sun: Full Sun | Water: Medium to wet

In bloom, this prairie native attracts a myriad of native bees and other beneficial insects. It’s a tall perennial topped with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers from late summer into fall. The unique flowers have fan-shaped petals that end in three teeth and a big, ball-like center packed with tiny flowers. It grows easily in medium to wet soils in full sun, but also tolerates dry conditions once established. Its tall stems can become floppy with the weight of fall flowerheads, so cutting it back in late spring will reduce height and encourage more branching and flowering. Another common name is sneezeweed, not for the effects of its pollen (which is not wind borne and does not cause hayfever) but for its use in pioneer days as a snuff that promoted sneezing. This dependable native is avoided by deer and rabbits, another plus.

* Native plant recommendations from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, plantnebraska.org