Poisonous Plants of Georgia
	The Herbarium of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

	Common Name: Scientific Name: Sneezeweed Helenium spp. L.
				Family: Asteraceae
			Click on the photos to enlarge images and read a scientific description. This plant may be poisonous to both humans and animals. Please refer to the "Symptoms" section below for information regarding susceptiblity of animal species to poisoning.
		Description: Sneezeweeds may be annual or perennial herbs. The leaves are alternate on the stem and thinly linear. The stems are branching. The flowers are yellow and somewhat resemble daisies. This often found in pastures or moist meadows. Toxic Part: The entire plant is toxic. Toxin: Helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone, is believed to be the toxic compound responsible for toxicity in the plant. Symptoms: Various species of Helenium are reportedly toxic to sheep, goats, cattle, horses, and mules.The effects of sneezeweed are cumulative and often result in death. Clinical signs include nasal discharge, anorexia, regurgitation of greenish foam, cardiac hemorrhages, and accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity of the animal. Treatment: Burrows and Tyrl recommended removing the animal from access to sneezeweed and providing supportive care for treatment of the symptoms which may include anticholingeric or antidepressant drugs and protein supplements. References: 24, 41, 42, 201 This site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician. Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison Control Center can be found on the "References and Links" page of this site.