Ethnobotany

1. Hairy Gumplant – Grindelia hirsutula (grin-DEL-ee-uh her-SUIT-yoo-luh)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: West coast of N. America from S. CA to British Columbia; coastal plains and foothills,
usually on slopes or sea bluffs, in sandy or gravelly soils.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Herbaceous perennial with numerous stems from a single, slightly woody root. Leaves are lance-
shaped, red-green to gray green depending on variety and conditions. Foliage may be hairy,
aromatic. More delicate & ‘garden-like’ than other Grindelias. Dies back in fall.
Blooms/fruits: Profuse blooms in late spring/summer. Flowers are golden-yellow, typical
‘sunflower-type’ heads. Very showy in bloom – bright yellow color spot.
Uses in the garden: Excellent choice for cottage garden or any other garden featuring flowers.
Good staple at back of flowering beds, combined with other summer-blooming native perennials,
grasses. Good for xeriscaping – very tough plant. Yellow/green natural dye from flowers. Native
Californians used leaves/teas to treat skin sores, itching, bronchitis.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native summer-flowering perennials like gazanias, daisies.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant. Nectar attracts many insects; birds eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun best
Soil Sandy soils best; ok with other well-drained soils; any local pH
Water Quite drought resistant. Looks better with a little summer water (Zone 2).
Decrease water in late summer/fall.
Fertilizer None needed.
Other
Management: Deadhead flowers if desired to improve appearance. Cut back dead stems in fall.
Easy.
Propagation: from seed: easy with fresh seed in fall/winter by cuttings: ??
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 10 2/25/09
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