Grindelia stricta var. Stricta (Coastal Gumweed)

Plant Description: A coastal plant native to the west coast of North American from California to Alaska. Coastal Gumweed is variable in appearance, taking the form of a weedlike perennial herb forming low clumps to a sprawling subshrub growing erect to heights exceeding one meter. Its foliage and stems are green to rusty red or purplish and the plant may be hairy to hairless. The fleshy leaves are green, often with red edges and veining, and are up to 15 centimeters in length on large plants. The flower cluster holds one or more flower heads each up to 5 centimeters wide. The flower head is a cup of thick erect or recurved green phyllaries. Yellow disc florets fill the center of the flower head and there is a fringe of yellow ray florets around the circumference.

• Height: 3-5ft
• Width: 5ft
• Watering needs: moderate; can tolerate dry summers once established
  
• Sun needs: full sun to part shade
  
• Soil needs: fast-draining, tolerates saline soils
  
• Bloom Time: Spring-Fall
  
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): No

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: Coastal gumweed is a drought-tolerant native that supports a wide range of native butterflies and moths.