Lizard Tail

Lizard tail (Eriophyllum staechadifolium) is a medium-sized shrub that grows in coastal scrub. You need to come to California to see this plant, and once in California, head to the Pacific Coast. Once there, find a plot of undisturbed or restored habitat, such as in the Presidio, and you're certain to locate this species. It is especially easy to located in summer months, when golden flowers gracing the domed structure of its wind-sculpted stands gives it away.

Eriophyllum staechadifolium, Presidio, November 2012.

Also note the leaf texture, shape and structure. According to Calflora's incredibly thorough and indepth online California Plant Names dictionary, the Latin name for lizard tail means "woolly-leaved, leaves like lavender." I wonder if the lavender reference refers to the bluish/greyish cast that the leaves have (seen better in color) or their aromatic character. The leaf structure is not like that of lavender. But, the leaves don't smell like lavender -- more like sage -- so I'm not sure if that's the reference either.

To find native plants in California, check out this resource: 
http://www.calflora.org/entry/places.html

For more info on Midwestern natives, here's another online resource: 
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/

If you have a similar page for your region, post the link in Comments.