| Rudbeckia laciniata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Rudbeckia |
| Species: | R. laciniata |
| Binomial name | |
| Rudbeckia laciniata L. |
|
The Cutleaf, Cutleaf Coneflower, Goldenglow, Green-headed Coneflower, Tall Coneflower or, Thimbleweed (Rudbeckia laciniata [1]) is a large perennial forb, native to Eastern North America, most often found in flood plains and moist soils. This plant grows up to 3 meters tall, with slightly glaucous leaves, and composite flowers. The disc flowers are green to yellowish green, while the rays are pale yellow. Note that several other plant species are known as Thimbleweed.
The species name, laciniata, refers to the pinnately divided leaves. Other country names include Tall Coneflower, Thimbleweed, Sochan/Sochani, and Goldenglow.
Traditionally, the young leaves have been gathered from the wild and eaten in the early spring. They are greatly favored as a potherb (cooked). Though some references state the use of this plant as salad greens (raw)[2], traditional use is as cooked greens[3] [4] . This is assumed to be done to remove toxins. However, there is little evidence of their presence. One report cites circumstantial evidence of poisoning to horses, sheep and pigs.[5]