Helenium is a genus of about 40 species in the family Asteraceae, native to the Americas.
Helenium produces bright green foliage and long, thin stalks with vibrant, daisy-like flowers that bloom in summer and fall. Each flower is actually a group of smaller flowers composed of a central circular group of tiny disk flowers (disk florets), and an outer ring of larger ray flowers (ray florets), the so-called “petals” that may face outward from the center or may droop downward. These sun-loving plants will add bright colors to your garden, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Name meaning
The genus name is derived from “helenion”, a Greek name for a different plant.
The name originates from Greek mythology and refers to a plant which honors Helen of Troy. According to Greek mythology, Helen of Troy, the daughter of Greek God Zeus and Spartan queen Leda, was the most beautiful woman in the world. There is a myth that her tears produced a similar plant on the island of Pharos. The flowers started to grow from the ground soaked with tears of Helen of Troy.
The plant is commonly known as “Sneezeweed”. The dried flowers and leaves of Helenium have been used as a snuff to induce sneezing to clear head colds or headaches, and to scare away evil spirits and demons. However, the plant isn’t a weed, and it doesn’t cause sneezing.
Helenium symbolism
Helenium means tenderness and tears.
Interesting facts about Helenium
Helenium in USA
Helenium virginicum, commonly known as The Virginia Sneezeweed, is an endemic federally protected species.
The plant was first discovered in 1936 and is currently listed by the federal government as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It is considered as a rare perennial wildflower occurring only in the states of Virginia and Missouri, United States.
Benefits and Uses
Helenium autumnale has been used as medicine for its anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, astringent and diaphoretic properties.
This plant was once used by the Native Americans to cure head colds.
Helenium hoopesii has similar medicinal uses, and is mentioned in herbalist Michael Moore’s book “Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West”.
Helenium Plant Data
Plant Type:
Annuals, Perennials
Color:
Helenium flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, red and brown.
Hardiness Zones:
3-8
Blooms in:
Autumn, Summer
Height:
Helenium grows up to 150 cm (5 ft) tall.
Soil needs:
Helenium likes moist and well drained soil, and will tolerate most pH levels.
