Similar to R. hirta and R. fulgida but with a greenish cone at the center of the orange-yellow ray flowers. The leaves are deeply cut and are 3- to 5-parted. Prefers moist, rich ground and thickets through the northern portions of the Tallgrass Prairie region. Very tall plant reaching 12 feet.

Native Americans used R. laciniata with Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue Cohosh) to relive indigestion. They also used it as one ingredient in a poultice to ease the pain of burns. The early spring shoots were cooked and eaten by early settlers to promote good health.

Edible Uses: Edible young stems. Cooked and eaten in the spring for 'good health. The young stems can be eaten like celery. The stems can also be dried for later use. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses: A tea made from the root (mixed with Caulophyllum thalictroides) is used in the treatment of indigestion. A poultice of the flowers (mixed with Agastache anisatum and Solidago sp.) is applied to burns.

Other Uses: A green dye is obtained from the flowers.

Herbal Uses: Unknown