Lonestar Gumweed

Grindelia adenodonta

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Grindelia
Species:
Grindelia adenodonta
USDA Symbol:
GRAD2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★★★ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown after fire; adapted to fire-prone grassland and shrubland habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions, prefers open sunny areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily with light; cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI