A hardy annual or short-lived perennial native to Oklahoma and central and southern US. Blooms prolifically with small, golden-yellow flowers that are a prime nectar source for butterflies and bees. Also a host plant for butterfly larvae. The ripe seed is a food source for the Painted Bunting and other small birds. Drought tolerant, summer blooming, narrow threadlike leaves. Does not seem to be appealing to deer.
Also known as Navajo or Hopi Tea; the dried stems and leaves are a traditional tea for southwestern tribal people. Included in the Slow Food USA Ark of Taste as an endangered and valuable traditional food. Full sun, 1-3’ height.
Kartesz, J.T., The Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2023. Taxonomic Data Center. (http://www.bonap.net/tdc). Chapel Hill, N.C. [maps generated from Kartesz, J.T. 2023. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP). (in press)]
