Prairie broomweed

Description:

This is a herbaceous plant, it is a annual which can reach 100cm in height (39inches). Often unbranched for half it's height with a straight resinous stem it then branches profusely forming a large bushy top. The leaves are alternate and the flowers, which have numerous parts, are up to 1.3cm wide (0.5 inches). The yellow blooms first appear in mid summer and continue into early fall. There are usually seven or eight ray flowers though there can be as few as five or as many as ten. (information from 2bnthewild.com)

Habitat:

Mixed grassland/woodland

Notes:

Also known as "snakeweed," this plant is in full bloom right now in my area. On a side note, I've discovered 2 separate species of caterpillars utilizing this as a host. I feel confident that I have identified one of them, and have brought home the other caterpillar and host plant to determine its identity as an adult.