Stout erect stem bears several branches with yellow daisylike flower heads. Flower heads about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide, with ray flowers encircling darker central disk flowers; entire head surrounded by pointed, outward-curling, green bracts that produce sticky material. Height: 6-36 in (15-90 cm).
Prairies and waste places.
Native in western and southwestern North America, but spreading eastward to the Mid-Atlantic states and north to Ontario and Quebec, Canada.
Indians used its flowers and leaves for treating bronchitis and asthma and for healing sores. The powdered flower heads were once used in cigarettes to relieve asthma, but can be mildly toxic to humans.
