It is a pretty and "striking" native forb whose range is from central Wisconsin, Iowa, and eastern Kansas to New York and southward down ...Read Moreto northwest Florida and central Louisiana. Its old scientific name is Cacalia atriplicifolia. It has interesting irregular fan-shaped leaves that resemble sycamore leaves. It is one of those members of the Composite or Sunflower Family with rayless flowers, so there is not lots of petals. It grows in open dry woods, meadows, prairies, savannas, dunes, etc. in moist to dry soils. It definitely grows in pH 6.5 to 7.0 and might go from about 6.0 to 8.5. In nature it does well with occasional wildfires. It is deer resistant. One can divide this perennial in spring. It has mostly a fibrous root system. It seldom ever flops over as some tall perennials can do. It can be aggressive, so not best used in smaller gardens. The leaves used to be used as a poultice for cuts and bruises. Liked by a number of pollinators. Sold by some native nurseries as Prairie Nursery in Westfield, WI and Prairie Moon Nursery in south Minnesota.
It is a pretty and "striking" native forb whose range is from central Wisconsin, Iowa, and eastern Kansas to New York and southward down ...Read More
Flowering stems can be cut back to the basal foliage after bloom to encourage a lower, secondary bloom.