Etymology: Polytaenia: from the Greek polys, "many," and tainia for "fillet," referring to many oil-tubes
Plants: erect, perennial, 20"-40" tall forb with a stout, single stem; taprooted
Leaves: lower leaves long-stalked, oval, pinnately-divided into many 1"-3" long, deeply-lobed, narrow leaflets usually with a few sharp teeth
Flowers: yellow, 5-parted; inflorescence a 1"-2 1/2" wide, compound, domed umbel with 10-20 small umbellets of many, short-stalked flowers; blooms May-June
Fruits: dry, oblong with a flattened back, splitting into 2 seeds- fruit: seed:
Habitat: dry to moderate moisture; prairies, plains
Conservation Status: Threatened

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9 WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.