Location
On trail in churchyard (N35D32'59.568 X W105D41'20.471)
Flowers first observed: 5/27/17
The Plant w/Flowers
The Flowers
Distribution
"It is native to much of North America, including the southern half of Canada, the western and central United States, and northern Mexico, and parts of southern South America." (Wikipedia)
"Throughout N. Amer., in every state in the U.S. except MS, AL, FL, KY, PA, NH; south to S. Amer." (SEINet)
Description
" It grows in many types of habitat, including grassland and woodlands. It is a hairy annual herb producing linear or very narrowly lance-shaped basal leaves up to 10 centimeters long. There are usually many stemlike inflorescencesgrowing erect to a maximum height around 18 centimeters. Atop the peduncle of the inflorescence is a dense cylindrical or somewhat conical spike of several tiny flowers and bracts. The spike is very woolly." (Wikipedia)
"---mostly woolly throughout and hairs on upper part of scape; very common. Leaves: Linear to narrowly oblanceolate. Bracts pointed or narrowly lanceolate. Flowers: Inflorescence in dense spikes; petals spreading 2 mm long, suborbicular to ovate; stamens 4. Fruits: Capsule 3.5 mm long; seeds 2. Ecology: Dry open places up to 7,000 ft (2100 m); flowers February-July." (SEINet)
Ethnobotanical Uses
Food:
"Havasupai Porridge Seeds ground and made into mush. ---Navajo, Kayenta Porridge Seeds made into mush and used for food. Pima, Gila River Unspecified Seeds used for food." (Moerman 417)
Medicine:
"Hopi Psychological Aid Plant given to a person to make him more agreeable. ---Keres, Western Analgesic Infusion of plant used of headaches. Antidiarrheal Infusion of plant used for diarrhea. Navajo Gastrointestinal Aid, Laxative, and Pediatric Aid Infusion of seeds given to babies when they 'spoil' (colic or constipation). Navajo, Ramah Dietary Aid Cold infusion of plant parts taken to reduce appetite and prevent obesity. Okanagan-Colville Dermatological Aid Poultice of mashed leaves applied to sores. Zuni Antidiarrheal Infusion of whole plant taken three times a day for bloody diarrhea." (Moerman 417)
Other Uses:
"Hopi Ceremonial Items Plant used for participants of the clowning crew. Navajo, Ramah Ceremonial Items Infusion of root, leaves, and seeds blown over rattle at beginning of hoof rattle song." (Moerman 417)
Internet Links