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Southeastern Sneezeweed

Helenium pinnatifidum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Southeastern Sneezeweed (Helenium pinnatifidum) is a perennial forb native to FL, GA, NC, SC. It blooms in July, August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Southeastern Sneezeweed (Helenium pinnatifidum)
Photo: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth! / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Toxicity unknown

Southeastern Sneezeweed (Helenium pinnatifidum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

FL, GA, NC, SC

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southeastern PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal Plain

Southeastern sneezeweed is a native perennial wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms from summer through fall. It forms clumps of narrow leaves and reaches 1-3 feet tall, providing reliable color during the late growing season when many other flowers have faded.

Growing Southeastern Sneezeweed

Grow Southeastern Sneezeweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

  • Can look weedy when dormant in winter
  • May appear too wild for formal front yard settings
  • Name contains 'weed' which could raise HOA concerns

Wildlife value

This plant is excellent for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles with its abundant nectar-rich flowers. The long bloom period makes it particularly valuable for supporting wildlife through late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Southeastern Sneezeweed need?
Southeastern Sneezeweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Southeastern Sneezeweed bloom?
Southeastern Sneezeweed blooms in July, August, September, and October.
Where is Southeastern Sneezeweed native?
Southeastern Sneezeweed (Helenium pinnatifidum) is native to FL, GA, NC, SC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Southeastern Sneezeweed attract?
Southeastern Sneezeweed draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Southeastern Sneezeweed HOA-friendly?
Southeastern Sneezeweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Southeastern Sneezeweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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