Etymology: Helenium: said to be named by Linnaeus after Helen of Troy, according to the legend that these flowers sprang up from the ground where her tears were supposed to have fallen
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-40" tall forb
Leaves: winged, alternate, dotted with glands, mostly erect
Flowers: head 1"-2" wide with 8-13 yellow, 3-lobed rays 1/3"-3/4" long and a brownish disk 1/4"-1/2" wide; inflorescence with many heads in branched, open clusters; blooms June-Oct.
Fruits: 4 -5-angled, dry seed without fluffy pappus
Habitat: moist; disturbed sites
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC+ USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.