Helenium Bolanderi
Contents
Description
Helenium Bolanderi, commonly known as Bolander’s sneezeweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to California and Oregon in the United States. This plant typically grows to be about 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has a clump-forming growth habit and produces multiple upright stems that are covered in leaves and flowers.Bolander’s sneezeweed gets its name from the fact that it was once used as a snuff to induce sneezing. However, the plant is toxic if ingested and should not be consumed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Helenium |
Appearance
Bolander’s sneezeweed has oval-shaped leaves that are 1-5 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The leaves are green and slightly hairy, with toothed edges. The flowers of this plant are daisy-like and have a bright yellow color. They bloom in late summer and early fall, and each flower head can be up to 2 inches wide.
Care Guide
Water: Helenium Bolanderi prefers consistently moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, make sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: This plant does not require a lot of fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring if desired.Soil: Bolander’s sneezeweed prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does best in soil that is slightly acidic.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as profusely in shady areas.Hardiness Zones: Helenium Bolanderi is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bolander’s sneezeweed is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if grown in shady or humid conditions. To prevent this, make sure to provide adequate airflow around the plant.
Habitat
Helenium Bolanderi is native to California and Oregon in the United States. It can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and open woods. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Helenium Bolanderi be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its roots and is filled with well-draining soil.Q: How often should I fertilize Helenium Bolanderi?
A: This plant does not require a lot of fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring if desired.Q: Can Bolander’s sneezeweed be propagated by division?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.Q: Do I need to deadhead Helenium Bolanderi?
A: Deadheading is not necessary, but it can help to promote additional blooming.
Related Plants
Other species of Helenium include:
- Helenium autumnale (common sneezeweed)
- Helenium flexuosum (purple-headed sneezeweed)
- Helenium bigelovii (Bigelow’s sneezeweed)
References
- “Helenium bolanderi.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a755>
- “Helenium bolanderi.” PlantSelect. Accessed July 2021. <https://plantselect.org/plant/helenium-bolanderi/>
- “Helenium bolanderi.” UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County. Accessed July 2021. <https://ccmg.ucanr.edu/Plant_Details.aspx?area=Select&PlantID=864>
