Bitterweed - IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data
Bitterweeds are also known as sneezeweed
Helenium amarum, commonly known as bitterweed, sneezeweed, or yellowdicks, is a flowering plant species native to North America, particularly found in the southeastern United States, although it is also found in Brazil, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Bitterweed is adaptable and grows in open areas including grasslands, fields, and along roadsides which may explain why the species has a broad range. This particular flower was found at Bastrop State Park in central Texas. This area has seen several wildfires in recent years which has diminished the habitat for the ‘Lost Pines’ region – the westernmost reaches of the iconic East Texas piney woods. However, the fires create new opportunities for plants like bitterweed.
Belonging to the Asteraceae family, bitterweed is characterized by its striking yellow inflorescences composed of many smaller florets. In this photo you can see the ray florets along the outer edge of the inflorescence have long tri-lobed petals, whereas the central disk florets have much smaller petals. The florets stagger their flowering period, which makes them a vital resource for foraging pollinators throughout the year. As a result, this species is capable of flowering for the entire year, although flowering peaks from May-November.
The plant grows from a perennial rootstock which means the plant can live for several years while helping to stabilize the soil. Many plants often grow closely together, with each sending up multiple branches reaching 20-70 centimeters in height, and each branch holds many inflorescences. This trait created a haziness in the photo that immediately grabbed my attention. The canopy of daisy-like petals from overlapping branches caught the light in just the right way to create this scene.
This plant can grow to 20-70 cm tall
Did you know?
- While not common, Helenium amarum may be used as a landscaping plant. If you live inside its’ native range, this plant will provide excellent habitat and food for pollinators and other insects, including bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- In traditional folklore, Helenium amarum was used to induce sneezing in the hopes of warding off negativity and evil spirits.
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