Gayfeather

Gayfeather belongs to the composite or sunflower family (Asteraceae). This beautiful plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds but is resistant to deer. Domestic livestock, however, use it as forage or browse and can gradually eliminate the flower from pastures that are heavily grazed. American Indians used the dotted gayfeather for food and medicinal purposes. Kindscher (1987) indicated that the root was used for food and was either baked or boiled before being consumed by Native American tribes. The Blackfeet used boiled root to reduce swelling, the Omaha's powdered the root and applied it as a poultice for external inflammation. They also made a tea from the plant to treat abdominal troubles. The Pawnees boiled the leaves and roots together and fed the tea to children with diarrhea. The root was also used as an antidote for snake bites. Gayfeather is becoming more popular for ornamental use, especially fresh floral arrangements and winter bouquets. If picked at their prime and allowed to dry out of the sunlight then spikes will retain their color and can be used in dry plant arrangements. Gayfeather is found on the roadsides and occasionally in fields. In the places where it has taken over fallow fields, it is very beautiful. The taproot system is remarkably extensive; its lateral branches spread 1.0 to 1.5 meters so one can imagine how it can completely consume a field if left to its own devices. But even if it is just scattered alone the highway right-of-way it is very eye-catching.