Rosin Weed, Narrowleaf gumweed, Texan gumweed
Grindelia lanceolata
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Grindelia lanceolata is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July 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 very alkaline 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
Dry soils on prairies and roadsides. Calcareous soils in Texas.
Central and Southern N. America - Tennessee to Missouri, Kansas, Louisiana and Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The following reports are for the related G. squarrosa, they probably also apply to this species. The fresh or dried leaves can be used to make an aromatic, slightly bitter but pleasing tea. A sticky resinous sap that covers the leaves can be used as a chewing gum substitute.
Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 3
The following reports are for the related G. squarrosa, they also apply to this species. Rosin weed was used by the native North American Indians to treat bronchial problems and also skin afflictions such as reactions to poison ivy. It is still used in modern herbalism where it is valued especially as a treatment for bronchial asthma and for states where phlegm in the airways impedes respiration. In addition, it is believed to desensitize the nerve endings in the bronchial tree and slow the heart rate, thus leading to easier breathing. The plant merits investigation as a treatment for asthma. The herb is contraindicated for patients with kidney or heart complaints. The dried leaves and flowering tops are antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant and sedative. The principal use of this herb is in the treatment of bronchial catarrh, especially when there is an asthmatic tendency, it is also used to treat whooping cough and cystitis. The active principle is excreted from the kidneys, and this sometimes produces signs of renal irritation. Externally, the plant is used as a poultice to treat burns, poison ivy rash, dermatitis, eczema and skin eruptions. The plant is harvested when in full bloom and can be used fresh as a poultice or dried for infusions etc. A fluid extract is prepared by placing the freshly gathered leaves and flowers in a small quantity of simmering water for about 15 minutes. A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the leaves and flowering stems.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Eczema: Used in the treatment of eczema - a chronic health condition that affects the skin, causing redness, dryness, itching and infections.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Other
Rating:
The following report is for the related G. squarrosa, it probably also applies to this species. Yellow and green dyes are obtained from the flowering heads and pods. Aromatic.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.
How it is grown
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun. Does well on dry sandy banks and in poor soils. Grows mainly in calacareous soils in the wild. Prefers a peaty loam soil. This is one of the first species to invade disturbed or denuded ground and often becomes a serious weed of grazing land. A very polymorphic plant.
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. Division as new growth commences in the spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Cuttings.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist