Narrowleaf Gumweed (Grindelia lanceolata)

This is an easy-to-grow biennial for sunny, dry areas. It is typically found on rocky roadsides, limestone glades, bald knobs, and dry prairies. The bright yellow flowers attract a number of pollinators, and the fairly large seeds are eaten by birds. Deer tend to avoid this plant.

Narrowleaf gumweed and other members of the Grindelia genus have been used to treat a wide range of ailments from head lice and poison ivy to bronchitis and rheumatism.

Uses: pollinators, birds, historically medicinal, drought tolerant, deer resistant

Bloom time: August to October

Height: 2 to 3 feet

Space: 1 to 2 feet

Sun: Full sun to light shade

Moisture: Dry to average

Seed: Gumweed typically germinates without much special treatment, though a couple of weeks spent cold-stratifying will help the few dormant seeds to germinate.