Description: Tiny elephant heads stacked atop each other on a 5 to 16 inch stem with frond-like leaves.

Habitat: Stream banks and wet meadows.

Edibility/Toxicity: Because this plant is partially parasitic with the roots often drawing nutrients from a nearby host, ingestion is not recommended However, the roots, if eaten sparingly have a parsnip-like taste, and the flowers were eaten by Inuit as a treat.

Comments: This genus is recognized by modern herbalists as a mild sedative and muscle relaxant. Historically it was used to treat stomach ulcers, rheumatism, and urinary problems. Ojibwa Indians considered it an aphrodisiac.