Helenium puberulum

Rosillia (aka sneezeweed as it's sneezed off its petals). is an annual to perennial plant that grows to 3' tall. Commonly found growing along creeks and ponds in wetland meadows mixed with roses, seep monkey, rushes and sedges. It is a valuable addition to a stream side garden or along the sides of a pond. Keep in mind that it reseeds easily. Pollinated by butterflies, bees, and moths. Blooms May to August. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Attracts many types of butterflies and bees. Native American uses were for making sarsaparilla, as a tonic and antiscorbutic. The seed has been primarily used medicinally. Found in meadows and streamsides. Communitites located in Valley Grassland, Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 2000 feet .

This is such a cutie! Ok, it’s not the showiest flower out there, but I find it very charming. Each round, button flower starts out dark brown & slowly transforms to yellow. The flowers at all different stages on the plant create a nice effect. I like to have it next to my walkway where I can enjoy the cute buttons as I come & go. This is a California native & an excellent wildlife plant. Found growing along stream-sides, it can also take a dry garden. It was fine in my no-summer-water garden last year. Grows to about 2.5’ tall & 1-2’ wide. Blooms May through August. A paste can be made from the powdered leaves that can be used to treat colds when rubbed on the forehead & nose.