This native annual spreads and grows up to 18 inches tall. The leaves are parted into numerous skeleton-like lobes (B), which are dotted with tiny orange oil glands (A,C). The flowers, with 8 orange, petal-like ray florets, open part way to about 1/4 inch across. Identified by the skeleton-like leaves and small orange flowers.
Found along roads and ditches, flowering in August and September. In Fontenelle Forest, locally common along Camp Gifford Road.
The Omaha-Ponca called this plant “vile weed,” referring to its fetid odor. They snuffed the pulverized leaves and flower tops up their nostrils to cause nosebleeds, which was believed to relieve headaches.
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