Origin Of Genus Name: Grindelia is named after D.H. Grindel, 1776-1836, Latvian botanist.

Presidio Locations: Coastal bluffs and coastal hillsides usually on serpentine soils.

Range In State: Coastal areas of central California. The Presidio is the type locality for this species.

Description: This rare native perennial species grows one to two feet tall with herbaceous stems originating at a woody base. The Gumplant is somewhat resinous, particularly the flower head. The fairly thick leaves have fine saw-toothed edges. The flower is daisy-like and yellow, and the buds are topped by a drop of gummy material. Blooms August to September.

Native Californian Uses: An infusion of pulverized leaves were applied to sores by the Miwok. Also used by the Pomo as a sedative, antispasmodic, expectorant, to treat poison-ivy, and as a tea substitute.

Wildflower main page

Rare and Endangered Plants page