Bigelow'S Sneezeweed
ExplorePlants
Bigelow'S Sneezeweed
helenium bigelovii
Bigelow's Sneezeweed is a cheerful, moisture-loving perennial wildflower native to the damp meadows, marshes, and riparian zones of western North America, especially in California and Oregon. Belonging to the aster family, this plant is celebrated for its striking, daisy-like yellow flowers that brighten wetland landscapes from mid to late summer. It plays a critical ecological role, serving as a vital nectar source for a variety of native pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Despite its name, it is a pleasant sight for hikers and nature enthusiasts rather than a nuisance.
Habitat: Found in wet montane meadows, fens, bogs, and along stream banks.
Appearance
This erect herb typically grows between 30 and 100 centimeters tall, featuring lance-shaped, alternate green leaves that merge into distinctively 'winged' stems. Each stem is topped with one or more vibrant flower heads, characterized by a prominent, spherical, yellowish-brown central dome surrounded by 13 to 30 drooping yellow ray petals. The unique, globe-like center of the flower becomes increasingly dark and textured as it matures, making it easy to identify.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusHelenium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
The common name 'sneezeweed' comes from a historic practice where the dried, powdered leaves were used as snuff to induce sneezing and clear the head.
The toxic chemical helenalin found in the plant has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
Unlike many other wildflowers, the pollen of Bigelow's Sneezeweed is heavy and sticky, meaning it does not cause seasonal wind-borne allergies.
Special abilities
Ability
Wetland Tolerant Roots
Possesses specialized root adaptations that prevent rot and allow efficient gas exchange in waterlogged, anaerobic soils.
Ability
Chemical Herbivore Deterrent
Produces bitter-tasting sesquiterpene lactones like helenalin to discourage grazing by mammalian herbivores.
Ability
High Pollen Yield
Features a specialized spherical dome layout of florets that maximizes pollen production and structural support for visiting insects.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30+ cm
- Lifespan
- 2+ years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, Bigelow's Sneezeweed converts sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy while absorbing key soil nutrients.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil nitrogen
- Phosphorus
Ecological connections
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Bigelow'S Sneezeweed?
The easiest way to identify Bigelow'S Sneezeweed is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Bigelow'S Sneezeweed?
30+ cm
How long does Bigelow'S Sneezeweed live?
2+ years
What does Bigelow'S Sneezeweed eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, Bigelow's Sneezeweed converts sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy while absorbing key soil nutrients.
Where is Bigelow'S Sneezeweed usually found?
Found in wet montane meadows, fens, bogs, and along stream banks.
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