Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun. Does well on dry sandy banks and in poor soils. Prefers a peaty loam soil. This is one of the first species to invade disturbed or denuded ground and often becomes a serious weed of grazing land. A very polymorphic plant.

The fresh or dried leaves can be used to make an aromatic, slightly bitter but pleasing tea. A sticky resinous sap that covers the leaves can be used as a chewing gum substitute.

Seed - sow autumn or spring in a cool greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the plants into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division as new growth commences in the spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Cuttings.

Prairies, plains and dry banks.