Common sneezeweed is a perennial plant in the daisy or aster family (Asteraceae). Its abundant yellow blooms can be found in late summer to fall, often attracting bees and butterflies. Common sneezeweed can be found in moist to wet openings, edges, shores, and thickets.

Sneezeweed can be cultivated in average to rich soils, needing moist to wet conditions and full sun. The plants often become tall enough to need support. Alternatively, they can be cut back in early summer (that is, late June or early July) to force shorter, more-branched flowering heads. Flowering clumps can be divided every few years to maintain vigor and provide new plant starts for other areas.

The common name is based on historic use of the crushed dried leaves and heads to make a form of snuff that caused sneezing. In certain cultures and times, sneezing was regarded as a desirable way to rid the body of evil spirits or a way to loosen up a head cold. The genus name, Helenium, refers to the famous Helen of Troy. There is a legend that these flowers sprang from the ground where Helen's tears fell. The species name, autumnale, refers to the season of the flower's blooming—autumn. Synonyms for the scientific name include Helenium canaliculatum, H. latifolium, and H. parviflorum.

[adapted from the U.S. Forest Service]