Resinweed, Gum plant
Grindelia squarrosa
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A herb. It can grow for a few years. It has taproots. The stems are 20-80 cm tall. The leaves are oblong and have lobes or teeth. The leaves often clasp the stem. The flower heads are yellow and 2-3 cm across. They are 25-40 flowers around a yellow disk. The fruit are 4-5 ribbed dry seed heads or achenes.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in dry open sites.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America, Slovenia, USA
How it is used for food
The fresh or dried leaves are used to make an aromatic but slightly bitter tea. The sticky resinous sap on the leaves and flowers can be used as a chewing gum. Caution: It should not be eaten in large quantities.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea, flowers - gum