Leonard Weber

September 25, 2023

When I think of late September wildflowers in Eliza Howell Park, I usually think of goldenrods and asters. This year, however, I am spending more time in a patch of a different species: Common Sneezeweed.

Common Sneezeweed is a perennial that grows well in wet soil; this patch is in an area that often holds water after a heavy rain.

It grows 3 – 5 feet tall and has multiple bright blooms. The round centers of the flowers are surrounded by notched yellow petals.

I have been primarily focused this year on the variety of insects Sneezeweed attracts.

There are very many bees. When I looked carefully at the first photo above,  I counted nine bees. Many of the bees on Sneezeweed are bumblebees, but there are also honeybees and sweat bees.

Other insect species drawn to Common Sneezeweed are Ailanthus Webworm Moths,

Pearl Crescent butterfly, 

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (orange and black),

grasshoppers,

and tree crickets.

Though the name might seem to suggest that Sneezeweed pollen is in the air and causes sneezing, this is not the case. The name apparently comes from the historical practice of using its crushed dried leaves and flowerhead to make a type of snuff.

I will continue to enjoy goldenrods and asters as special late September flowers — colorful and insect-inviting.

Now that I have become better acquainted with Sneezeweed, I think it just might qualify to join this select group.