They are so well protected against dehydration that after harvest they take many days to dry, even if subjected to forced air and heat. Curiously enough, they are used medicinally as tea or tincture for moistening mucous membranes and are therefore a great soothing agent for the throat, bronchii and lungs. In Appalachia, the leaves are still smoked to relieve asthma, a contraindication of carrier and agent, but purportedly effective nonetheless. Sow seed on surface of disturbed soil or on surface of flat. Compact down hard.
Seedlings transplant well and require little care past occasional watering when they are young.
Tolerates poor, gravelly soil and fierce sun. Plant 1 foot apart. Flowers in the second year, from 3 to 7 feet.