_Helenium autumnale_
_Flower-heads_--Bright yellow, 1 to 2 in. across, numerous, borne on
long peduncles in corymb-like clusters; the rays 3 to 5 cleft, and
drooping around the yellow or yellowish-brown disk. _Stem:_ 2 to 6 ft.
tall, branched above. _Leaves:_ Alternate, firm, lance-shaped to oblong,
toothed, seated on stem or the bases slightly decurrent; bitter.
_Preferred Habitat_--Swamps, wet ground, banks of streams.
_Flowering Season_--August-October.
_Distribution_--Quebec to the Northwest Territory; southward to Florida
and Arizona.
Most cows know enough to respect the bitter leaves’ desire to be let
alone; but many a pail of milk has been spoiled by a mouthful of
_Helenium_ among the herbage. Whoever cares to learn from experience why
this was called sneezeweed, must take a whiff of snuff made of the dried
and powdered leaves.