Helenium autumnale

Species category

Weed

Common name

common sneezeweed

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.

Shape

Conical

Size

  • Length 1–1.5 mm
  • Width 0.4–0.6 mm
  • Thickness 0.4–0.6 mm

Color

Light brown ribs and a dark brown background

Texture

Ribs with short appressedAppressed:
Pressed close or lying flat against something.
hairs

Other structures

PappusPappus:
Modified calyx in Asteraceae, composed of hairs, bristles, awns, or scales. The pappus-like structure attached to milkweed seeds is termed a coma. 
is made of triangularly papery scales.

Identification notes

AchenesAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.
are somewhat rounded at the basalBasal:
The base of the fruit or seed opposite the apical end.
end.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Asteraceae

Valid name

Helenium autumnale L.

 Helenium autumnale.  Achenes with a pappus made of triangularly papery scales.
Helenium autumnale. Achenes with a pappus made of triangularly papery scales.