Botany on the Byways: Hoary puccoon

Another early bloomer, hoary puccoon can be found in open habitats like prairies, savannas, and woodlands; it is frequently found on dry to moist prairies. Lithospermum canescens has white, shiny hard seeds and soft, feathery leaves. The name “Puccoon” comes from the word “poughkone,” which is the name given by the Powhatan tribe who used the roots to make a red dye. It is common in remnant prairies at county and state parks in the Loess Hills.

source: Iowa Prairie Plants