Grindelia squarrosa, July 23, 2021
Common & scientific name
Curlycup gumweed, Grindelia squarrosa
Family
Sunflower, Asteraceae
Location
Roadside, 8,700’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
According to the US Forest Service’s fantastic “Plant of the Week” site, the grindelias are most commonly known for their copious amount of gummy resin found on their flower heads. The common Grindelia squarrosa is often found along roadsides in late summer, often following disturbances created by humans. It may be an annual, biennial or perennial plant and is readily recognized by the recurved (squarrose) bracts on the involucres (cups) that enclose the flower heads.