Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Gum

Desert gum is an interesting native wildflower whose principal value lies in its traditional use as a natural chewing gum rather than as a food. Although it provides little nutrition, it shows another example of how Native Americans made practical use of plants available in the dry landscapes of the Great Plains and northern Southwest. Its attractive flowers, drought tolerance, and historical significance make it a worthwhile species to know, even if it is unlikely to play more than a minor role in a modern forager's diet [2-3]. The milky latex can be dried and chewed as a natural gum. The leaves are not reported to be edible. Unlike grand rushpink, this species is not recorded as being used as a potherb [2-3]. Edibility Rating: 2 out of 5 – A useful natural chewing gum, but of little nutritional value. Taste and Preparation: The gum produced from its dried milky latex is expected to be similar to that of grand rushpink. Allow the latex to dry naturally before chewing. Based on the closely related grand rushpink, the resulting gum likely has a mild, lettuce-like flavor rather than the sweet taste associated with commercial chewing gum. It serves primarily as a chewing material rather than a source of nourishment [2-3]. Seasonality: Desert gum blooms from June to September. The latex can be collected whenever actively growing plants are producing sap [2-3]. Traditional Uses: People traditionally chewed the dried latex as a natural gum. Although it offers little nutritional value, it provided a readily available chewing material in the dry landscapes where the plant grows [2-3]. Safety: People have traditionally chewed the dried latex as gum. No other parts of the plant are reported to be edible. As always, accurate identification is important before using any wild plant [2-3]. A gum from the seeds is used for chewing[61, 105]. Other reports say that the gum is obtained from the flowering stems[46, 177]. Another report says that the roots were left in the sun until the gum came out and hardened, and this was then used for chewing[257].

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Diuretic  Galactogogue  Kidney  Poultice  Tonic

Skeleton weed was employed medicinally by various native North American Indian tribes who used it particularly as a galactogogue[213, 257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The leaves and stems are galactogogue and tonic[213, 257]. An infusion of the stems has been used to promote milk flow in nursing mothers, in the treatment of smallpox, measles, kidney problems, diarrhoea, heartburn and burning coughs and also as a general tonic for children[257]. A poultice of the plant has been applied to bring relief to rheumatic and swollen joints[257]. An infusion has been used as a wash for sore eyes[257]. An infusion of the powdered galls that are found on the plant is diuretic[257].

Gum  Hair  Insulation

Desert gum is well suited to native wildflower gardens and xeriscapes with sandy, well-drained soils. An infusion of the stems, mixed with oil, has been used as a hair tonic[257]. The crushed stems have been used as foot pads in shoes[257]. The colourful flower heads attract bees, butterflies, and other native pollinating insects. The plant contributes to the biodiversity of native prairie and sandy grassland ecosystems.

Special Uses