Bitter Sneezeweed, Sneezeweed

Helenium amarum

Physical Characteristics

Helenium amarum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New York to Florida.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiphlogistic Expectorant The plant is used to clear the nose of mucus[61]. (Is it used as a snuff?[K]) A decoction of the entire plant can be used in a sweat bath to treat dropsy and swellings[254].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant contain the glycoside gudaldin and can cause toxic symptoms in grazing animals. Cows that have eaten even a small amount of the plant produce extremely bitter, distasteful milk, whilst honey from the flowers is said to be bitter[274].