Coastal Gum Plant (Grindelia stricta)

Grindelia stricta is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae (Sunflower) family known by the common names Coastal Gumweed and Oregon Gumweed. It is native to the west coast of North America from California to Alaska, where it is a resident of coastal plant communities such as those in marshes and beaches. In California it is found from the Channel Islands northwards, typically in close proximity to the coast. There are three recognized Varieties: This plant is variable in appearance, taking the form of a weedlike perennial herb forming low clumps to a sprawling subshrub growing erect to heights exceeding one meter. Its foliage and stems are green to rusty red or purplish and the plant may be hairy to hairless. The fleshy leaves are green, often with red edges and veining, and are up to 15 centimeters in length on large plants. The flower cluster holds one or more flower heads each up to 5 centimeters wide. The flower head is a cup of thick erect or recurved green phyllaries. Yellow disc florets fill the center of the flower head and there is a fringe of yellow ray florets around the circumference. The head produces copious white exudate, especially in the early stages of blooming. This exudate was used by native people as an adhesive. From Calscape.

Growers: Heritage Growers, Larner Seed

Other Names Used: Coastal Gummed, Oregon Gumweed

Family: Asteraceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full, Partial 

Bloom Period: Spring, Summer, Fall (March to October)

Bloom Color(s): Yellow

Plant Height: 3-5 feet tall

Plant Width: 7 feet wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• North Coast
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast

Ecological Benefits:

• Drought Tolerant
  
• Deer Resistant
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife, bats
  

Ecological Functions:

• Groundcover
• Hedge
• Living Fence

Habitat Type:

• Coastal Grassland
  
• Northern Coastal Scrub
• Coastal Strand
• Marshes 
• Dunes

Human Uses/Cautions: 

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None