Family: Asteraceae/Aster/ Daisy/ Sunflower
Ecology/ Botany:
This tall perennial grows from creeping underground rhizomes, usually in open floodplains, forest openings, or meadows in moist climatic regions at low to mid-elevation. It blooms in late summer when the seasons are ready to turn.
Medicinal/ Traditional/ Other Uses:
It has medicinal properties for the urinary tract and is a diuretic. It is anti-inflammatory —internally or externally. It helps fight infection and congestion. Nlaka’pamux (Thompson) and Syilx (Okanagan) people have used an infusion of the stems and flowers as treatment for diarrhea or colic, especially for babies. It is a primary source of nectar for migrating monarch butterflies and is loved by many pollinators.
References/ Other useful links:
E-FLORA BC: ELECTRONIC ATLAS OF THE FLORA OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Parish, Coupe, Lloyd. 1996. Plants of Southern Interior British Columbia. B. C. Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing.