MEADOW FIRE

Hymenoxys hoopesii

Sunflower Family (Compositae)

This sunflower relative of the high mountain meadows has large, showy flower heads that are brilliant cadmium yellow. The narrow ray flowers are downcurved away from the flattened center disk in a distinctive way that makes this plant easy to recognize in flower. The heads are arranged on branched stalks over large, shiny, bright green leaves that clasp the lower stems. This plant occurs in large stands in open meadows or at the edges of the aspens. It often grows with sticky geranium and tall larkspur, which make good companions in the garden. Meadow fire can grow in sun or partial shade. It prefers rich, moisture-retentive soils and regular water. It makes a great addition to a butterfly garden. This plant is rarely seen in cultivation, possibly because of its off-putting older common name of sneezeweed. Not a particularly allergenic plant, it received this unfortunate name from its use as a substitute for snuff.