Southern Sneezeweed
Helenium flexuosum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Helenium flexuosum is a native wildflower found across the southeastern and midwestern United States. This yellow-flowered perennial blooms from June through August and attracts butterflies and bees.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Southern Sneezeweed as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 20 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Southern Sneezeweed produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers with distinctive notched petals from June through August. This native Texas perennial grows in an upright, somewhat bushy form and goes dormant in winter. It thrives in full sun with moderate water needs.
Growing Southern Sneezeweed
Grow Southern 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
Southern Sneezeweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The cheerful blooms attract butterflies and native bees throughout the summer months. This plant provides valuable nectar when many other wildflowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- When does Southern Sneezeweed bloom?
- Helenium flexuosum typically blooms from June through August, producing bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
- What pollinators visit Southern Sneezeweed?
- This native wildflower attracts butterflies and bees, making it valuable for pollinator gardens and natural landscapes.
- Where is Helenium flexuosum native?
- Southern Sneezeweed is native to 24 states across the southeastern and midwestern United States, from Texas and Florida north to Michigan and Massachusetts.
- What growing conditions does Southern Sneezeweed prefer?
- Helenium flexuosum grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium moisture levels, though it can tolerate a range of water conditions from wet to dry soils.
- Is Southern Sneezeweed toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Southern Sneezeweed as toxic to livestock.
- Is Southern Sneezeweed HOA-friendly?
- Southern Sneezeweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low 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 Southern Sneezeweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.