Although it is reported from elevations up to 7,000 feet, golden
crown-beard is usually found at much lower levels from Kansas south to
Texas, California, and northern Mexico. Sometimes growing in clusters,
single plants are also common as a weed of roadsides and waste ground.
The all-yellow, sunflower-like blossoms are widespread in the desert
from April to November. Desert Indians and early pioneers are said to
have used the plant to treat boils and skin diseases. The Hopis soaked
the plants in water in which they bathed, to relieve the pain of insect
bites.
_Verbesina encelioides_ Sunflower Family
[Illustration: CROWN-BEARD]