Description
Helenium puberulum | Rosilla ‘Autumn Lollipop’
Helenium puburulum known as Rosilla, is also called Helens Flower and Dogtooth Daisy, is a genus of about 40 species of annuals and deciduous herbaceous perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to the Americas, is an upright clumping wildflower. The name ‘sneezeweed’ was given based on the former use of its dried leaves in making snuff, inhaled to cause sneezing that would rid the body of evil spirits. And it is known as Helens Flower after Helen of Troy, where a legend says that these plants sprang from her tears!
Helenium puberulum is native perennial to California and Baja California, where it can be found in moist habitats such as riverbanks and wetland meadows, and is a valuable addition to a stream side garden. Plants have tall, spindly stems with most of the leaves on the lower part of the plant, while the upper half has naked, seemingly petal-less, spherical flower heads that look like lollipops! They start off yellow and darken with age. Reseeds easily.
Attracts bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators. This plant is edible- the leaves and flower heads can be eaten raw. Makes a very unique cut flower!
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 3 ft
Mature width: 12-18 inches wide
Hardiness zones: 4-8