Autumn Sneezeweed is a native wildflower that transforms late gardens into pollinator havens when most other flowers are fading. Growing 3 to 5 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 2.5 feet, this frost-hardy perennial blooms from late summer into fall, producing abundant cheerful yellow flowers with prominent dome-like centers. It thrives in USDA zones 3-8, tolerates partial shade, and reaches flowering maturity around 100 days from seed. Despite its misleading common name, it doesn't cause allergies; instead, it's a critical late-season nectar and pollen source for honey bees and native leafcutter bees when little else is available.
Partial Shade
Moderate
3-3
60in H x 30in W
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Moderate
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This native wildflower is one of the most valuable late-season pollinator plants you can grow. Its abundant yellow flowers with distinctive dome-like centers bloom precisely when gardens need them most, from late summer through fall frost. Heavy-bodied native bees, including uncommon large leafcutter bees, rely on its pollen and nectar. The name is pure historical quirk; it actually has nothing to do with allergies, since its heavy pollen doesn't travel on the wind like ragweed does. Growing from 3 to 5 feet tall, it fits naturally into perennial borders while providing essential food for pollinators.
Autumn Sneezeweed is grown primarily for its value to pollinators, particularly in late-season gardens when flowering plants become scarce. Gardeners plant it in perennial borders, meadow plantings, and pollinator gardens to sustain honey bees and native bees through fall. It's also used in native plant landscapes and restoration projects to recreate natural wildflower habitat.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds on the surface or barely press them into seed-starting mix, as light aids germination. Keep soil temperature between 55 and 70°F and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Seedlings will emerge in 10 to 14 days.
Harden off seedlings for 7 to 10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant outdoors after the last spring frost date, when soil has warmed. Space plants 16 inches apart, with rows 24 inches apart. Water well after transplanting to settle soil around roots.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last spring frost date, pressing them lightly into prepared soil. Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings are established. Thin seedlings to 16-inch spacing once they have their first true leaves.
Deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous flowering and a fuller plant. In fall, you can cut back stems to 4 to 6 inches after frost has killed the foliage, or leave stems standing through winter for structure and winter interest; they'll provide shelter for overwintering insects and seed for birds.
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“Autumn Sneezeweed is a North American native wildflower with roots in the natural ecology of meadows and wetland margins across the continent. Its common name derives from a historical use, though the origins of this naming are obscured in time. What matters is that seed companies like Hudson Valley Seed have recognized its critical ecological role and now preserve and distribute it as a way to support pollinator populations.”