Grindelia sp
Family: Asteraceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to the mountains and deserts of western
America. The several species of gumweed are very similar, and may
be used interchangeably. Dark blue-green plants bear multiple swaying flowers
which cup a central pool of balsamic oleo-gum-resin. This “gum” is
what makes Grindelia work. The tincture may be used topically for alleviating
pain, swelling and itching of poison oak or ivy. The tincture of
the dried flowers is also of high repute as an asthma remedy, and I know
people who rely upon it to keep them off of debilitating drugs.
Cultivation: Easy. Sow in the greenhouse in the spring
or direct seed to the garden after the soil has truly warmed up.
Needs moderate water to get established and almost no water during the
flowering phase. Plant 1 foot apart, flowers bright yellow to 3 feet.
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