Hymenoxys hoopesii aka Orange Sneezeweed

Hymenoxys hoopesii is a perennial in the daisy family. Common names include owl’s-claws and orange sneezeweed. It comes from the western and west-central United States. Its range includes California, Oregon, Idaho, and the Rocky Mountain states. It grows in rich forest soils and meadows near streams. It also grows on wet slopes in the southern Rockies. There, it occurs at 7,380–10,830 feet [2,250–3,300 metres]. Older names include Helenium hoopesii and Dugaldia hoopesii.

The plant forms a clump and loses its leaves seasonally. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Their spread reaches 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. They take two to five years to reach full size. Long, narrow leaves have a grey-green shade and pale midribs. Each leaf broadens toward its tip, then narrows again. Branching stems carry leaves as well as flowers.

The bright yellow flower heads have a daisy-like shape. Each has a raised central disc and slender, drooping rays. The RHS places flowering in early summer. Plants For A Future reports blooms from midsummer into early autumn. Its account also lists orange among the flower colours. Plants can seed themselves when old flower heads remain. Remove spent flowers when seed is not needed. Sow ripe seed in an open frame to raise new plants.

Choose full sun and gritty soil that drains well. Suitable soils include chalk, loam, and sand. The plant accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Keep excess winter rain from soaking the root zone. High humidity does not suit it. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 3–7. Use it in gravel gardens, beds, borders, or informal plantings. It also suits banks and slopes. Aphids may attack it, though disease is seldom a problem.

The flowers provide material for a yellow dye. Plants For A Future also records gum from the roots. This limited edible use does not establish general food safety. The same source reports poisoning in sheep. It advises caution about possible harm to people. It records folk uses for vomiting, headaches, and hay fever. These records do not show that home remedies are safe.