Grindelia camporum
great valley gumweed
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Grindelia camporum is an upright perennial or subshrub growing 1-4 feet (30-120 cm) tall and 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) wide, woody at the base. The stems carry narrow, toothed, gray-green leaves that clasp the stem. From summer into fall it produces yellow, daisy-like flower heads 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) across, each surrounded by curved green bracts coated in a sticky white resin that oozes from the unopened buds. The plant is native to California, growing in valley grassland, roadsides, alkaline flats, and disturbed ground. It grows in full sun and tolerates poor, dry, and saline or alkaline soils that limit many other plants. It withstands extended summer drought once established and declines in rich, wet soil. The sticky buds and resin have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Plants are short-lived but self-seed in open ground. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It can spread into disturbed areas as a volunteer. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Native Range
Grindelia camporum is native to California, centered on the Central Valley and surrounding foothills and Coast Ranges. It grows in grassland, on roadsides, alkaline flats, and seasonally dry, disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Used in dry meadows, water-wise gardens, and roadside or restoration plantings on poor soils. Suited to alkaline and saline sites where few perennials grow. Spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart in groups.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun in dry, well-drained soil; the plant tolerates poor, rocky, and alkaline or saline ground. Water sparingly, as it rots in rich, moist soil. It withstands heat and extended drought once established. Plants are short-lived but reseed where soil is open. No fertilizer is needed, and lean soil keeps growth compact. Cut back spent stems to limit self-seeding where it is not wanted.Pruning
Cut stems back after bloom to tidy the plant and reduce self-seeding. Remove dead growth in late winter before new shoots appear. Shear lightly in spring to keep the form compact.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallwinter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons