Chicadee Plant; Golden Aster
Heterotheca foliosa (Nutt.) Shinners
Medicinal Documentation
Given to those who are feeling generally poorly. The drink tends to put them to sleep. It appears to be soothing, quieting medicine. Additional commentary: The name is given it because the chickadee – titmouse – commonly eats the seeds of the plants. This species of plant has also been called Heterotheca villosa.
Ceremonial & Cultural Notes
If a person or house is plagued by evils spirits, the plant is burned as incense. This could be done by anyone without ceremony or medicine man. Additional commentary: The name is given it because the chickadee – titmouse – commonly eats the seeds of the plants. This species of plant has also been called Heterotheca villosa.
Botanical Reference
Parts Documented: plant, stems, tops
Distribution: Dry, open locations, often in sandy soil; plains to montane; Alberta, Canada to New Mexico