Asteraceae

rush skeletonplant

Lygodesmia juncea (Pursh) D. Don ex Hook.

Indigenous Names: makȟá čhaŋš’iŋhu, BeOenecoo-oo:no (Meaning: “Breast Milk Making Things”)

Habitat: High plains and prairies, often in alkaline soils; dry, open sites; plains to foothills; Alberta, Canada to New Mexico

Seasonality: Not given; Not given 172

Status: Native

Medicinal Documentation

Lakota

čhaŋȟlóǧaŋ waȟčá zí An infusion of the leaves and stems is used to treat dysentery and

Arapaho

Used in an herbal decoction and given to women whose children were sick with diarrhea. The illness, it was believed was caused by bad breast milk | Used in an herbal decoction or broth to stimulate breast milk flow.

Ceremonial & Cultural Notes

Arapaho

Commentary: The Cheyenne used the plant in the same manner. It is called “breast Milk plant.”147

Botanical Reference

Parts Documented: leaf, stem, Not specified in the literature

View on USDA Plants Database ↗