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 © Project SOUND