Hairy Gumweed
Grindelia humilis

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Grindelia humilis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. 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): 1.5

Where it is found

Coastal salt marshes.

Western N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The dried leaves and flowering tops are antiasthmatic, expectorant and sedative. The principal use of this herb is in the treatment of bronchial catarrh, especially when there is an asthmatic tendency. The active principle is excreted from the kidneys, and this sometimes produces signs of renal irritation. The plant has been used in the treatment of itching skin eruptions caused by contact with poison oak (Rhus spp.). A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the leaves and flowering stems.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating:

Yellow and green dyes are obtained from the flowering heads and pods. Aromatic.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun. Does well on dry sandy banks and in poor soils. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species. The report on medicinal uses in relates to G. cuniefolia, a name that has been used by two authors. G. cuniefolia. non Nutt. is said to be a synonym of G. humilis and so the entry has been made here.

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: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

G. cuneifolia