Weed of the week - Bitter Sneezeweed (helenium amarum)

 Helenium amarum, Bitter sneeze weed.
very common in these parts and contrary to the name, it does not cause sneezing just being around it, but is bitter and can cause alergic reactions if eaten. because of the bitterness, few animals will eat it and if they do, it can be fatal in large amounts. Cows that eat this will have bitter, undrinkable milk and its said can cause calves to have unpalatable tasting meat.
the toxin is a sesquiterpene lactone compound.
These compounds are toxic not only to livestock, but fish, worms, and insects as well.
It's close relative, Helenium autumnale, flowers were dried and crushed into a fine powder for snuffing, that of course causes one to sneeze and was considered to rid the body of evil spirits (we call it nasal conjestion). it also reduced "catarrh of the stomach" if drank in a tea. it was also used by native americans for intestinal worms and reduce fevers.
It is in the Asteraceae family as is Asters, common sunflowers and daisies.