Blanketflower, Indian - Gaillardia aristata

(Common Blanketflower, Common Gaillardia, Firewheel, Sunburst)

Family: Aster - (Asteraceae) Native

Location

Outside Visitor Center by restroom (N35D33'01.739 X W105D41'10.032)


Flowers first observed: 6/14/17


Plant w/Flower

The Flower


Distribution

"Range:Primarily in the Rocky Mountain and northern states; becoming established further south
Height: Up to 2 feet Habitat: Sandy flats, roadsides, meadows, mountain foothills" (American Southwest.net)

Description

"Petals (between 6 and 16, but usually 13) are partly divided into three lobes and have several thin veins running lengthwise. The tiny disc flowers at the center are reddish brown, or sometimes purplish. Beneath the flower heads are pointed, green, hairy bracts, visible from above though gaps at the ends of the petals." (American Southwest.net)


Ethnobotanical Uses

Food:

"Blackfoot Soup Flower heads used to absorb soups and broth." (Moerman 241)

Medicine:

"Okanagan-Coville Analgesic Flowers used to 'paint' the body for pain. Kidney Aid Decoction of plant taken for kidney problems. Orthopedic Aid Poultice of mashed plant applied for backaches. Venereal Aid Infusion or decoction of whole plant used as a bath for venereal disease." (Moerman 241)

Other Uses:

"Blackfoot Cooking Tools Flower heads served as spoons for the sick and invalid. Waterproofing Agent Flower heads rubbed on rawhide bags for waterproofing." (Moerman 241)


Internet Links