Many butterflies and bees visit the masses of bright, one-inch flowers beginning in late summer. This is an attractive and beneficial mid-sized native for wet or moist gardens.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Helen’s Flower
Helenium autumnale
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Prairie, Wetland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Yellow
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace

Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
High, Wet

Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Pollinators

Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
36 to
48
inches
Spread:
18 to
30
inches
Size
Height: 36 to
48
inches
Spread: 18 to
30
inches
Size
Height: 36 to
48
inches
Spread: 18 to
30
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Raingardens, butterfly and pollinator gardens that are suitable for marsh milkweed and other moisture-loving species.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers wet to moist loamy soil, high in orgaic content. Cut back or pinch buds June/July to make shorter.
Special Features
Special Usage
Rainscaping, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.