Gumweed (Grindelia) (Grindelia integrifolia), packet of 30 seeds, organic
$3.95
Family: Aster (Asteraceae)
Hardy to Zones 6 to 10
Bushy herbaceous perennial to 3 feet tall. Native to the mountains and deserts of western North America. This plant thrives roadside, in sandy areas seasonally flooded, in grasslands on dry slopes, in waste places, rock garden, or regular garden soil outside the reach of sprinkler. Sand mulch for best results. In colder zones, may be grown as an annual, or may become perennial, dying back to the root. If your zone is too cold to support overwintering, be reassured that this is a reasonably dependable self-seeder. In warmer zones, the plant will produce a thick, rubbery, perennial stem that may be crowned by a rosette of green leaves, and gives rise, in season, to more stems, followed by soft green cauldrons of resin giving way to the bright golden yellow flowers, flattened, about the size of quarters, which then in turn give way to the seedheads. Traditional usage (TWM): asthma, poison oak and ivy. Plant prefers full sun and dryish, well-drained soils. Sow seeds in spring. Use fast-draining mix, or direct seed. Barely cover seed with soil and tamp well, then keep warm, in the light and evenly moist until germination, which takes about three weeks, quicker or slower depending on soil temperature. Individuate to pots and transplant, or thin to 1 to 2 feet apart.
30 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown
In stock
Question
Laura –
Will this variety grow in Massachusetts or is it really a western plant?. I am in Zone 6A. I am looking for something for poison ivy rashes. Does this plant spread a lot? Is 1 plant enough or do you need multiple? Thanks
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Richo Cech –
Hi Laura,
Thanks for your note. This variety is a good choice for sunny and dryish, well-drained places. It really thrives. Anybody can grow it. The plant itself is singular, not spreading, and it may self-seed if you’re lucky. One plant by itself will not make viable seeds–it is an obligate outcrosser. Read more about it in “Growing Plant Medicine Viol 1” and of course “Making Plant Medicine” richo
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Chelsey (verified owner) –
Hi Richo, I Am wondering if I can also use fresh gumweed for making tincture? In your book it says dried but other people I see using fresh. Is that just personal preference?
Also I am drying gumweed and curious when it is dry because of its resin does it not feel as dried out as other plants would? Thank you.
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Richo Cech –
hi chelsey, right, it always feels a bit squishy due to the oleo-gum-resin not really drying off. thats why i recommend drying it first, to remove water and make the oil-based constituents more highly alcohol soluble
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Jodi –
Are Grindelia integrifolia and Grindelia squarrosa medicinally interchangable? I am in Oklahoma and squarrosa is readily available here.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Jodi, Yes, they are interchangeable, you’re good! Richo
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Question
Kimmy –
I live in lower Michigan, Zone 5. We normally have plenty of hot days in July and August. Will Grindelia grown here likely produce enough resin to make a worthwhile medicine from? If so, roughly how many plants would be needed to create a pint or so of tincture each year? Thank you!
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Kimmy,
Yes, actually one can find wild grindelia growing throughout the US and it is easy to grow in gardens or even just in a spare bare bit of ground next to the driveway. You proabably would want to grow three plants. Pick the buds when they are in the milky stage and dry them before tincturing.
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