Helenium autumnale

Helenium autumnale is a tall flowering plant native across the southeast. It is predominantly found in wetland habitats, and grows best in full sun to part shade. It can get up to eight feet tall during the growing season, and dies back almost completely in the winter. Leaving dormant stems up until spring provides necessary over-wintering habitat for pollinators. Bright yellow flowers bloom in late summer and attract many pollinators. Birds eat the seeds in the fall and winter. This is a host plant for many native butterfly species. Helenium autumnale works well as a specimen plant in a yard or rain garden, or for stormwater plantings.