Hymenoxis hoopesii, August 18, 2021
Common & scientific name
Sneezeweed, Hymenoxis hoopesii
Family
Sunflower, Asteraceae
Location
Lower Lost Man, 10,500’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This funky flower is always a surprise: in its characteristically droopy, bedraggled petals (ray florets), its orange-ish color, its tall stature, and its ability to grow at myriad elevations and times of year, like this plant which didn’t emerge until mid-late August.
Apparently its common name comes from the historic use of the crushed, dried leaves and flower heads to make a snuff that caused sneezing. In any event, how can you not love a flower named “sneezeweed!”