Grindelia integrifolia (Puget Sound Gumweed)

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Grindelia Integrifolia (Puget Sound Gumweed) close-up of flower

Grindelia integrifolia (Puget Sound Gumweed): A Pacific Northwest Native

For about a month now, I've had blooms on this interesting plant that I stumbled upon at Yard N' Garden Land last year. I planted it in July, mainly out of curiosity, but also because I try to add native plants to the garden whenever possible.

The plant is Grindelia integrifolia, commonly known as "Puget Sound Gumweed" or "Willamette Valley Gumweed." It is native to the Pacific Northwest, including British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. 

The name "gumweed" comes from the sticky, gumlike resin that coats the flower buds. The resin isn't noticeable unless you touch it. It is a perennial and is sometimes referred to as an herb. Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest used the resin to treat ailments including coughs, asthma, and skin rashes from poison ivy.

Aside from the flowers, the plant isn't particularly interesting-looking. It has tall stalks, reaching about 4 feet in my garden, and the foliage reminds me of an aster. It is a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The flowers are relatively small and dainty in appearance.

This plant is actually classified as a wetland plant, although it will grow well in non-wet areas. I have it situated in one of the drier locations in the garden, but I do water it at least once a week.

The genus is named after Russian botanist David Hieronymus Grindel (1776–1836).

This is a nice late-summer perennial that provides pollen and nectar for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.


Grindelia Integrifolia (Puget Sound Gumweed) blooming in the garden

Grindelia Integrifolia (Puget Sound Gumweed) late-summer flowers

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

Kris Peterson said…
I can't remember where I got it but I grew this plant here in SoCal a couple of years ago. It certainly isn't native to my part of the country but, as I recall, it held out for the summer season in any case. I suspect it exited on its own terms, and I haven't seen it in my area since.
August 15, 2026 at 2:26 PM
tz_garden said…
It is cheery, and feels very appropriate for late summer.
August 17, 2026 at 8:39 AM
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