An erect, rhizomatous perennial herb to 6' tall, forming large, tight clonal colonies. Leaves alternate, surrounding central stem with the larger leaves occuring on the lower stem. Rhizomes usually 2"-5" long, from the base of the arial stems. Flowers yellow, borne on numerous small flower heads. Fruit is an achene.

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antiseptic (plant); analgesic, astringent and febrifuge (blossoms); anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, febrifuge and stimulant (leaves and flowering tops)

Plants for a Future

To strengthen kidney function, urinary infections, chronic catarrh, skin diseases, influenza, whooping cough (plant); as a poultice to burns (root); in the treatment of diarrhoea, body pains, fevers and snakebites (flowers)