This hardy native wildflower grows 1 to 3 feet tall, with an upright, unbranched form.  Hairy, light green foliage emerges in spring. In summer, clusters of creamy white to pale yellow flowers with prominent golden centers emerge. This plant thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and is valued for its drought tolerance and pollinator appeal.
 
Native habitats include prairies and savannas. 
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 12-40" tall and 24-36" wide.
 
Needs full sun.
 
Prefers dry to average, well-drained soils.
 
Blooms June-July with a cluster of whitish-yellow, five-parted flowers less than an inch wide.
 
Leaves are mostly basal, light green and pinnately compound with 7-11 leaflets and white, sticky hairs.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for larvae of the dorcas copper and purple copper butterflies. Visitors include eastern pine elfin; yellow-faced, mining, small carpenter, and solitary bees; metallic green halictids; two-moon beewolf; syrphid flies; and ants. Some larvae form galls with insects that mine the leaves, including cinquefoil stem gall midge, cinquefoil axil gall wasp, and Douglas moth.
 
Medicinal, Edible and Other Uses:
Young leaves can be used in teas and soups, while the starchy roots can be used like a parsnip. Leaves and roots contain tannins that act as an astringent for diarrhea, sore throats (mouthwash/gargle), wounds (poultice), and general well-being. The plant was historically used for good luck, warding off evil, and love potions.