COMMON SNEEZEWEED, Helenium
autumnale L. 1, upper part of plant; 2, lower stem
and roots. Perennial, reproducing by seeds and a spreading crown.
Roots much branched, somewhat fleshy. Stems slender, erect,
2 to 5 feet (0.6 to 1.5 m) tall, smooth to rough, narrowly branched, with
winged appendages along the stem, especially on part. Leaves alternate,
slender, oblong to lanceolate, 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long, gray and
hairy when young, becoming greenish and smooth later. Flower heads
sunflowerlike, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across. Ray flowers yellow, drooping,
surrounding the greenish-yellow disk flowers. Seed about 1/16 inch
(1.5 mm) long, hairy. Found around water holes and ditches where
water is readily available. Whether dry or fresh, poisonous to livestock,
especially sheep. Most serious in the western areas.