Stephanomeria exigua – “Annual Wire Lettuce”

Also Known As: Small Wire Lettuce, Annual Mitra
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom Period: Jun-Oct
Form: Annual or biennial herb
Habitat: Sandy soils
Leaves: Twice pinnately-compound; mostly basal; reduced in size and alternate as they climb the stem.
Translation: “Stephanomeria” is a compound form of the Greek word for “crown” and “division” (as in “a part”) and how that applies to this genus is not clear; “exigua” is Latin for “poor in growth” or “weak,” referring to its spindliness.
Notes: Exudes a strong, latexy odor when rubbed, much like the Wild Lettuce (Lactuca serriola) found in other parts of North America, which it superficially resembles.
Native American Uses: The Hopi used it as a diuretic (urinary inducer) and to treat venereal disease. The Kayenta treated measles with it.