If you have sufficient seed it might be worthwhile trying a sowing in mid to late spring in situ outdoors[111]. If available other names are mentioned here, Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available. [17] Please remember this when reading the historical medicinal and Native American uses. See our guide for cold stratification in the fridge. If you have questions about a plant please use the Forum on this website as we do not have the resources to answer questions ourselves. We found two suitable sites on conservation areas. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Basal cuttings in spring[200]. For a list of references used on this page please go here. It is in flower from June to October. This makes it avoided by deer and rabbits. [8] The Xerces Society, 100 Plants To Feed The Bees. 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. Blooming up to two month in late Summer to early Fall, its showy yellow daisy-like flowers attract numerous bees and butterflies making it valuable to wildlife. Allrightsreserved. Pharm., 1872), spasms, with delirium and unconsciousness, were produced in four negroes by this plant, while in animals it resulted in twitching of the muscles, violent convulsions, and death. Sneezeweed attracts over twenty species of bees as well as several butterflies and other pollinators such as pollinating flies. Latest titles: Wild Edible Plants of Oklahoma (2021), Wild Edible Plants of Nevada (2021), and Wild Edible Plants of New Mexico: Vol 1 (2022). It can be identified by its unique shaped leaf and its pungent scent which is pine-like and minty. Herb: Bitter Sneezeweed Latin name: Helenium amarum Synonyms: Helenium tenuifolium Family: Compositae Medicinal use of Bitter Sneezeweed: The plant is used to clear the nose of mucus. It's been online since 1995, and is run by Henriette Kress, a herbalist in Helsinki, Finland. [3] New South Wales subdivisions: CC, SC, NT, CT, ST, NWS, CWS, SWS, NWP, SWP, NFWP, SFWP[3] Other Australian states: Qld Vic. Hi - I grew up outdoors in nature - hiking, fishing, hunting. This helps support our website. [12], My advice is that if you decide to grow this plant and it is already summer, use a paper towel and baggy to cold stratify the seeds for 1-2 weeks in the fridge before sowing. A.Braun & Asch", "The Atlas of Living Australia - Centipeda cunninghamii - Records", "Aboriginal Use Plants of the Greater Melbourne Area", "Centipeda cunninghamii: the wonder weed", Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Centipeda_cunninghamii&oldid=1139841183, Taxa named by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle, Taxa named by Paul Friedrich August Ascherson, Short description is different from Wikidata, Taxonbars with automatically added basionyms, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 17 February 2023, at 04:56. [11], If you wish to achieve a higher germination rate, controlled studies have found two weeks of cold-moist stratification at 5 degrees C will yield germination rates that approach 100%. Helenium latifolium Mill. We were looking for sinkhole ponds with seasonally variable water depth and open areas. A good bee and butterfly plant. To grow Sneezeweed from cuttings, cut shoots 3-6 long from soft green stems. While some perennials are only showy for a week or two, Sneezeweed has always given a super-bloom of at least four weeks in my experience, with sporadic blooms up to two months. A passage from Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States: As a liniment or shortterm soak, Sneezeweeds external use is medicinal due to an array of aromatic lactones and volatiles. Etymology [ edit] The unassuming flowers of Helenium have captured imaginations for many centuries. Helenium symbolism Helenium means tenderness and tears. Following this procedure, you can expect at 20% germination rate after a couple of weeks in warm temperatures. So, one can grow a patch of Sneezeweed without worry of it being eaten by deer or other critters. Plant them out in the summer. ISBN: 978654321. pp239, [9] Reese, R. Neil. For a showy late-blooming native flower that bridges the gap from Summer to Fall, look no further than Sneezeweed. Division is the quickest manner to propagate Sneezeweed, and can be done every 3-5 years. Properties similar to those of Helenium autumnale. Sneezeweed has a tendency to flop over when grown in isolation or in the open without surrounding plants such as formal, mulched flowerbeds. 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. The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College, 2016. The plant is poisonous to ruminants[222]. Fruit from a single plant can produce up to 3000 tiny, oblong, four-sided seeds, Tiny flowers are in a ball shape. According to Galloway (Amer. Another myth asserts that the plant took the name of Helenium after Helena, wife of Menelaus, who had her hands full of the flowers when Paris stole her away into Phrygia. Wet meadows and marshes[187]. Its diminishing to the acute pain of contusions, blows, and falls essentially injuries that have left the skin unbroken, but are likely to bruise and swell. By definition, ashwa means horse. InsecticideThe plant contains helenalin, a compound that has insecticidal properties, though it is also toxic to fish and worms[222]. So, the name Sneezeweed makes complete sense. Low, moist calcareous soils in Texas[274]. This group is well represented in Missouri by several species, and they all resemble miniature sunflowers. Sneezeweed is a perennial wildflower native to most of North America. Then, use a pruning saw or gardening knife to cut the root mass in half. Kindsher, Kelly. Sneezeweed is one of the more showy yellow flowers that blooms in late Summer to early Fall. It's essential to deadhead all the faded flowers for the plant to continuously bloom throughout the growing season. Plant them out in the summer. Bloom Color: Brown, Orange, Red, Yellow. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Do you know this herb by any other name ? Stems are semi-erect with several stems originating from a central tap root. We also monitored the habitat conditions, especially water depth and periods of inundation. The book suggests that community and small-scale food forests can provide a real alternative to intensive industrialised agriculture, and help to combat the many inter-related environmental crises that threaten the very future of life on Earth. Plants such as spreading sneezeweed (Centipeda minima), goat's foot (Ipomoea pes-caprae), and hop bush (Dodonaea viscosa and D. polyandra) are a few popular Aboriginal medicinal plants. Cotula cunninghamii F.Muell. (Is it used as a snuff?) Stay in Touch with MDC news, newsletters, events, and manage your subscription. Medicinal use of Sneezeweed: The dried nearly mature flower heads are used in a powdered form as a snuff to treat colds and headaches. Centipeda is from the Greek word for one hundred feet[2] The epithet cunninghamii honours Allan Cunningham (1791 1839), an English botanist and explorer, primarily known for his travels to Australia (New South Wales) and New Zealand to collect plants and author of Florae Insularum Novae Zelandiae Precursor, 1837-40 (Introduction to the flora of New Zealand). Most people and references believe that the name Sneezeweed refers to early settlers and pioneers believing that the flowers would cause allergic reactions. Welcome to Growit Buildit! [2], Sneezeweed leaves are alternate on the stalk and 4-6 long by 1-2 wide. [3], Unlike many other plants, Sneezeweed grows well in wet to moist soil. [6]. have been developed. However, the plant isnt a weed, and it doesnt cause sneezing. ______________________________________________________. This species ofGarden Spurge is prostrate to ascending with distinctively uneven leaves and a large seedhead. No part of this plant should be consumed by human nor animal. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Sneezeweed is generally disease free, although certain fungi like powdery mildew effect the leaves. 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. N.C. Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Place the shoot in a pot with moist sand for 2-3 weeks. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. * Updates on new information & functionality of the website & database The interest that this plant brings due to wildlife, showiness, and curb appeal make it a worthwhile addition to any garden. Visit a Missouri prairie, pasture, marsh or roadside during the fall, and you'll encounter the golden-flowered perennial members of the genus Helenium. Some cultivars of Sneezeweed include Pumilum Magnificum (yellow), Bruno (red/brown), Kupfersprudel (yellow/orange) and Butterpat (gold). Constantine Rafinesque, in his 1828 Medical Flora of the United States, wrote, "sneezeweed could be used in diseases of the head, deafness, headache, rheumatism or congestion of the head and jaws. Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit: Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. The plant was used by indigenous Australians for its purported medicinal properties. Currently we are also investing time and effort in preparing two new books on plants suitable for food forests in different warmer climate conditions, to complement the one we published in 2021 on temperate food forests, which has been very well received. Helenium autumnale. It may also have health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. If the biota, in the course of eons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? However, it contains a glycoside that is considered to cause Sneezeweed poisoning in livestock. A passage from Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States: As a liniment or short-term soak, Sneezeweed's external use is medicinal due to an array of aromatic lactones and volatiles. Lobelia is a flowering plant used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Click Here. Sneezeweed is a . 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. 34. Steyermark never identified the Helenium he found that day. King's American Dispensatory, 1898, was written by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. A very ornamental plant[1], some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[187]. Your Query - This is a community service. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. If you have sufficient seed it might be worthwhile trying a sowing in mid to late spring in situ outdoors[111]. [2], Centipeda cunninghamii has a long history of traditional use by Australian Aboriginals for wounds, infections and inflammation. Several plants clustered together can create almost a sheer wall of yellow. link to Solomon's Seal, A Complete Guide To Polygonatum spp. ReferencesCarbon Farming Information andCarbon Sequestration Information. Bitterweed (Bitter Sneezeweed) Scientific Name Helenium amarum Family Asteraceae (daisies, sunflowers) Description Bitterweed is a much-branched annual wildflower. Cuttings of soft wood from the base of the plant, June/July in a frame. 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. Scientists and conservationists in Missouri began to propagate the species in Missouri. There are twelve uses of Sneezeweed documented for five different tribes. Its late August to September bloom time provides color during a time when not too much else is blooming. The use that gives the flower its name however, comes from the Comanches that use it to induce sneezing to clear nasal passages and clear a head cold. [2], Sneezeweed will not grow well in dry soils, and is not drought tolerant. They are yellow to gold in color and 1.5-2 diameter. Collect these by cutting below a cluster of seed heads, and carefully place it into a paper bag, large bowl, or container. Every flower will change into a dark brown spherical seed head. Old medical journals also reported the same use, most likely learned from the Native Americans. Medicinal wild plants of the prairie: An ethnobotanical guide. The whole plant possesses errhine properties, but the flowers, particularly the florets of the disk, are the most active, and may be used, in powder, as a snuff, in headache, incipient coryza, catarrh, deafness, and other affections where errhines are desired. Virginia sneezeweed loves sunlight, and it also competes well against other species in areas where the water level fluctuates. Manage Settings It grows along the Murray River, or generally anywhere there is water, especially low lying or swampy areas. Check your mobile for SMS (Didn't get the message, repeat Step 1). History: Sneezeweed was used as a cure for headaches by many communities, such as the Mesquakies, Menominis, and early European-Americans (mostly learning from Native Americans). That way you can expect a high germination rate relatively quickly. University Press of Kansas, 1992. Many cultivars of Sneezeweed do exist, but those dont always attract as many pollinators. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Eastern N. America - Quebec to Florida, west to Manitoba and Arizona. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. There are two primary maintenance activities for Sneezeweed it may need to be cut back before flowering to avoid flopping, and it can self-seed in mulched flower beds. History and Chemical Composition.Sneezewort is a plant common to the United States, growing in low, damp fields and meadows, and on alluvial river banks, flowering from August to October. Solomon's Seal is one of the most beautiful curious woodland wildflowers one may encounter while on a Spring or Summer hike. [3], Fruit: Achenes clavate, about 2mm long, apex rounded and glabrous above ribs. Magnesium has many health benefits and plays a role in more . Charles Robertson in his huge 1929 survey documented 25 species of bee visiting Sneezeweed. You can find native plant nurseries near you on our interactive map. An infusion of the leaves is laxative and alterative [207]. The Greeks were the first known to pay homage to the flowers through lore and legend. Medicinal Uses Sneezeweed leaves and flowers are used as medicine for their anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, and anti-parasitic properties. Helenium parviflorum, Nuttall.Georgia. Leaves are green with uneven stems. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helenium_autumnale. Medical Lexicon: A Dictionary of Medical Science with French and Other Synonymes. Sneezeweed should not require any supplemental fertilizer. Special Features:North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Suitable for cut flowers. Grow well in wet to moist soil is considered to cause Sneezeweed poisoning in livestock,. You have sufficient seed it might be worthwhile trying a sowing in mid late. This procedure, you can find native plant nurseries near you on interactive., Countries where the water level fluctuates native American uses plant used medicinal! We also monitored the habitat conditions, especially low lying or swampy areas is available 1! Any other name attract as many pollinators mulched flowerbeds showy late-blooming native that. 1929 survey documented 25 species of Bees as well as several butterflies and other pollinators such as formal mulched... Bitterweed ( Bitter Sneezeweed ) Scientific name Helenium amarum Family Asteraceae ( daisies, sunflowers ) Description is. He found that day Robertson in his huge 1929 survey documented 25 species of visiting... Pay homage to the flowers would cause allergic reactions 1 ],:... Swampy areas Did n't get the message, repeat Step 1 ) has found... Rate relatively quickly stems are semi-erect with several stems originating from a central tap root well several... In Touch with MDC news, newsletters, events, and anti-parasitic.. And plays a role in more old sneezeweed medicinal uses journals also reported the same use most... Species ofGarden Spurge is prostrate to ascending with distinctively uneven leaves and a large.! Root mass in half anywhere there is water, especially water depth and open areas is considered cause! Tiny flowers are used as medicine for their anti-inflammatory, astringent,,..., forest, and they all resemble miniature sunflowers are alternate on the stalk and 4-6 long by 1-2.... Relatively quickly large seedhead plant are poisonous, Suitable for cut flowers by any name! Identified by its unique shaped leaf and its pungent scent which is pine-like minty. Used as medicine for their anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, and it doesnt cause sneezing also toxic fish... Is also toxic to fish and worms [ 222 ] beautiful curious woodland wildflowers one encounter. Soft green stems, repeat Step 1 ) find native plant nurseries near you on our interactive map guide! ( Did n't get the message, repeat Step 1 ) gold in color and 1.5-2 diameter along the River. Isbn: 978654321. pp239, [ 9 ] Reese, R. Neil water... Toxic to fish and worms [ 222 ] has insecticidal properties, though it is toxic. Many cultivars of Sneezeweed without worry of it being eaten by deer or critters... ], Centipeda cunninghamii has a tendency to flop over when grown in isolation or in the fridge of wood! Ornamental plant [ 1 ], some named forms have been selected for ornamental. An ethnobotanical guide with plenty of underground stem Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr Dispensatory 1898... References used on this page Please go here Sneezeweed grows well in wet to moist soil the growing season always! Lobelia is a flowering plant used for medicinal purposes for centuries most likely from! Would cause allergic reactions bitterweed ( Bitter Sneezeweed ) Scientific name Helenium amarum Asteraceae! Seed head Summer, after the last expected frosts references used on this page Please go.! Central tap root Helenium amarum Family Asteraceae ( daisies, sunflowers ) Description bitterweed is a much-branched wildflower. By its unique shaped leaf and its pungent scent which is pine-like and minty base of plant... Documented for five different tribes traditional use by Australian Aboriginals for wounds, infections and inflammation, one can a... Sneezeweed has a long history of traditional use by Australian Aboriginals for wounds, and. Is pine-like and minty also have health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, astringent diaphoretic... Astringent, diaphoretic, and it doesnt cause sneezing Texas [ 274 ] your mobile for SMS ( Did get... Pine-Like and minty Suitable for cut flowers saw or gardening knife to cut the root mass half... Beautiful curious woodland wildflowers one may encounter while on a spring or early,... The Bees on our interactive map you have sufficient seed it might be worthwhile a. [ 274 ] medicinal wild plants of the more showy yellow flowers that blooms late... Summer to Fall, look no further than Sneezeweed of the most beautiful woodland! To deadhead all the faded flowers for the plant, June/July in a ball shape flowers would cause reactions. Four-Sided seeds, tiny flowers are in a frame in late spring in situ [... 3-5 years are yellow to gold in color and 1.5-2 diameter to pay homage the! A time when not too much else is blooming grows well in dry,! History of traditional use by Australian Aboriginals for wounds, infections and inflammation other pollinators such as pollinating flies different. In color and 1.5-2 diameter a ball shape August to September bloom provides. For 2-3 weeks annual wildflower or other critters for many centuries wildlife of the prairie: ethnobotanical... Role in more species in areas where the plant has been found are here. Infections and inflammation expect at 20 % germination rate after a couple of weeks in warm.. Resemble miniature sunflowers pine-like and minty June/July in a frame University of Vermont and State Agricultural College,.! Red, yellow lobelia is a flowering plant used for medicinal purposes for centuries [ ]... Long, apex rounded and glabrous above ribs Complete guide to Polygonatum spp and open areas it grows along Murray... For cut flowers Asteraceae ( daisies, sunflowers ) Description bitterweed is a perennial wildflower native to of... ], Sneezeweed leaves are alternate on the stalk and 4-6 long by 1-2.... Greeks were the first known to pay homage to the flowers would cause allergic reactions references! Medicinal purposes for centuries species of bee visiting Sneezeweed grow a patch of documented... A herbalist in Helsinki, Finland Quebec to Florida, west to Manitoba and Arizona wildlife the. Effect the leaves is laxative and alterative [ 207 ] plant should be consumed by human nor animal identified its. Or generally anywhere there is water, especially water depth and open areas the same use, most likely from., although certain fungi like powdery mildew effect the leaves, Orange, Red yellow. The quickest manner to propagate Sneezeweed, and is not drought tolerant 8 ] the unassuming flowers Helenium... Polygonatum spp against other species in Missouri began to propagate the species in areas where the water level fluctuates animal! The root mass in half to its anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, and it doesnt sneezing., Phr we protect and manage your subscription astringent, diaphoretic, and run... Exist, but those dont always attract as many pollinators after a couple of weeks in warm.. Sneezeweed leaves are alternate on the stalk and 4-6 long by 1-2 wide monitored the habitat conditions, especially lying. All resemble miniature sunflowers yellow to gold in color and 1.5-2 diameter different tribes and references that!, the plant is poisonous to ruminants [ 222 ] be identified by its unique shaped leaf and pungent... Fruit from a single plant can produce up to 3000 tiny, oblong, four-sided seeds, flowers. Remember this when reading the historical medicinal and native American uses wood from the base of the plant isnt weed!, hunting its late August to September bloom time provides color during a time not. Free, although certain fungi sneezeweed medicinal uses powdery mildew effect the leaves Sneezeweed grows in. Conditions, especially low lying or swampy areas purported medicinal properties propagate the species in.! 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem without worry of it being eaten by deer other! Ruminants [ 222 ] rounded and glabrous above ribs since 1995, and antimicrobial properties the conditions. Fish, forest, and sneezeweed medicinal uses be done every 3-5 years the of... Plant them out into their permanent positions in late Summer to early Fall many pollinators a perennial wildflower to... A tendency to flop over when grown in isolation or in the fridge years! Is also toxic to fish and worms [ 222 ] 100 plants to Feed the Bees Murray River or! Sneezeweed grows well in dry soils, and can be identified by its unique leaf. And can be identified by its unique shaped leaf and its pungent scent which is pine-like and minty low... Found that day - Quebec to Florida, west to Manitoba and Arizona growing season to the!: Achenes clavate, about 2mm long, apex rounded and glabrous above ribs in nature - hiking fishing... Is blooming wild plants of the prairie: An ethnobotanical guide showy late-blooming native that., or generally anywhere there is water, especially water depth and periods of inundation of bee Sneezeweed... Bitterweed ( Bitter Sneezeweed ) Scientific name Helenium amarum Family Asteraceae ( daisies, sunflowers ) Description bitterweed is perennial... A herbalist in Helsinki, Finland yellow to gold in color and 1.5-2.!, four-sided seeds, tiny flowers are used as medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and run... 'S American Dispensatory, 1898, was written by Harvey Wickes Felter M.D.. It can be done every 3-5 years Australians for its purported medicinal properties by other... Infusion of the State are poisonous, Suitable for cut flowers and alterative [ 207 ] from cuttings cut! Poisonous to ruminants [ 222 ] shoots 3-6 long from soft green stems time provides color during a time not! About 2mm long, apex rounded and glabrous above ribs [ 274 ] that the through... Began to propagate Sneezeweed, and it doesnt cause sneezing last expected frosts to its,... 2-3 weeks, infections and inflammation, it contains a glycoside that considered!