pingue rubberweed, Hymenoxys richardsonii

Pingue is another of those plants that seems to have conflicting lore. The root yields a latex that was commonly chewed like gum by several tribes. But the Navajo also used the plant as a ceremonial emetic. I think I'd rather just chew on a stick. Other uses were as a source of lotion to treat red ant bites, and as a source for yellow dye. Pingue rubberweed is poisonous to livestock. But I was glad to see this pretty plant along the road. Pingue is found in AZ, CO, ID, MT, ND, NM, NV, TX, UT, WY, AB, and SK. Lake Co CO, 6/20/13.