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Helenium (Helenion an old Greek name)

(Helenion, an old Greek name used by Hippocrates, and probably derived from Helen of Troy). ORD. Compositae. A genus containing about eighteen species of ornamental hardy herbaceous annuals or perennials, inhabiting Central and North America. Receptacle chaffy, between the ray-florets only; pappus of five bristles; involucral bracts in one series, united at the base; ray-florets toothed at the apex. Leaves alternate, often decurrent, entire or few-toothed. The species are more or less strong-growing, and are, consequently, best suited for the margins of shrubberies or the back of herbaceous borders. In such situations, they may be extensively grown, and the abundance of flowers which they produce will prove valuable for decorative purposes. Propagated by divisions, or by seed.

H. autumnale (autumnal).* fl.-heads pure yellow, large, with long four to five-cut ray-florets. Autumn. l. smooth, lanceolate, 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2 in. broad, acute at both ends. Stem branching at top. h. 4ft. to 6ft. North America, 1729. Perennial. A very showy and elegant species. (B. M. 2994.) H. Hoopesii (Hoopes's). fl.-heads bright orange, about 2in. across; involucral segments long, narrow, acuminated. Summer. l. lanceolate, acuminated, smooth, stem-clasping. Stem simple. h.2 1/2ft. North America. Perennial. H. nudiflorum (naked-flowered). fl.-heads pure yellow, loosely disposed, medium-sized, fragrant. Summer and autumn. l. alternate, linear-lanceolate. h. 2ft. to 3 1/2ft. South United States. Perennial. H. n. atropurpureum (dark purple) is a variety with purple ray-florets.

H. quadridentatum (four-toothed). fl.-heads yellow; disk-florets four-toothed. May to October. l., lower ones pinnatifid; upper entire, smooth. Louisiana, 1790. Annual or biennial. (B. R. 598.)