There’s no reason to avoid sneezeweed if you fear an allergic reaction. Hay fever sufferers can relax. This tall beautiful daisy-like wildflower is blooming right now. It got its name from the days when it was crushed for snuff that was thought to be useful in treating congestion caused by colds and flu, and to combat headaches. In nature, the flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, though the stems and leaves are both bitter and toxic, so they are avoided by grazing animals. Look for sneezeweed in wet meadows and along shorelines in the Oak Openings region. The photo above was taken by Art Weber, Metroparks Toledo nature photographer.
Sneezeweed in bloom now
