Great Valley Gumweed
Grindelia robusta
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Grindelia robusta is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
By the coast in sunny well-drained situations. Thrives in dry areas and salty plains.
South-western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The leaves and flowering tops are antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, balsamic, demulcent, expectorant, sedative, stomachic and a vascular tonic. Blood purifier. The plant is applied externally as a compress on inflamed or irritated areas of the skin. Used internally, it slows down the heartbeat and reduces the stimulation of the nerve endings in the air passages that causes coughing - it is therefore extremely effective as a calming agent in the treatment of asthma. The fluid extract is prepared by placing the freshly gathered leaves and flowers in a small quantity of simmering water for about 15 minutes. The plant is used to treat people affected by poison-ivy.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Blood purifier: Purifies the blood.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
Yellow and green dyes are obtained from the flowering heads and pods. Aromatic. A decoction of the roots has been used as a hair shampoo to kill lice.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.
Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
How it is grown
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun. Does well on dry sandy banks and in poor soils. Plants tend to concentrate selenium in the leaves and stems, this is especially noticeable on soils that are relatively rich in that element. Some authorities class this species as a synonym of G. camporum.
Propagating it: Seed - sow autumn or spring in a cool greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the plants into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist