How much sun does Bitter Sneezeweed need?

Bitter Sneezeweed grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Bitter Sneezeweed bloom?

Bitter Sneezeweed blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Bitter Sneezeweed native?

Bitter Sneezeweed (Helenium amarum) is native to AL, AR, CA, FL and 15 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Bitter Sneezeweed attract?

Bitter Sneezeweed draws butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.

Is Bitter Sneezeweed HOA-friendly?

Bitter Sneezeweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Bitter Sneezeweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Helenium amarum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, AR, CA, FL and 15 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, nectar insects

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Bitter sneezeweed is a native Texas annual wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms from summer through late fall. This compact plant grows 1-3 feet tall with a narrow spread, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces. Despite its common name, it provides valuable nectar for pollinators during its extended blooming period.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bitter Sneezeweed is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

Requires seasonal replanting
May have messy dieback

Wildlife value

This plant is an excellent pollinator magnet, attracting butterflies, bees, and other nectar-feeding insects throughout its long blooming season. Its late-season flowers are particularly valuable when many other native plants have finished blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Bitter Sneezeweed need?: Bitter Sneezeweed grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Bitter Sneezeweed bloom?: Bitter Sneezeweed blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Bitter Sneezeweed native?: Bitter Sneezeweed (Helenium amarum) is native to AL, AR, CA, FL and 15 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Bitter Sneezeweed attract?: Bitter Sneezeweed draws butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.
Is Bitter Sneezeweed HOA-friendly?: Bitter Sneezeweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Bitter Sneezeweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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