The name gumweed comes from its sticky, resinous sap.
Livestock find it unpalatable, due to the tannins and resins it contains.
It has a deep root system, giving it good drought resistance. The sticky flower heads have been used as a chewing gum substitute, and the dried leaves to make a tea. The Pawnee, Dakota, Omaha, and Ponca used this plant for medicinal purposes. Early settlers used it for asthma and bronchitis relief and to treat colic in children.