Hairy Gumweed

Grindelia hirsutula

Also known as: Sharpleaf Gumweed

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Grindelia
Species:
Grindelia hirsutula
USDA Symbol:
GRHI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; often increases in abundance post-burn in coastal scrub and grassland habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to open, rocky slopes and grasslands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification. Light may improve germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Soak fresh seeds overnight in water. Cold stratify in peat moss for 2 weeks or until seeds begin to sprout.

Establishment: There is a variation in the germination rate depending on the conditions. Lower germination rates were observed under controlled conditions for seed cold-stored at approximately 44F in moist vermiculite. Transplant survival averages 75%.

Source: npn.rngr.net