Helenium

Some of these can be a little unruly in habit (some sturdy plants around them can help) and mostly definitely brassy in colour, especially when mixed with other strident colours, like purple phlox or crimson monarda. Amongst cool companions they add fresh gaiety to autumn are are a joy to pick for several weeks. Dividing occasionally can help to maintain vigour.

As with all  'daisy-like' flowers, the disc-flowers in the centre of the flowerhead produce nectar and pollen that are attractive to insects, such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies. And the larger forms often produce seeds that are favoured by birds such as goldfinches, while the leaves and roots are palatable to a number of moth larvae, including swift moths.