Gumplant, Great Valley gumweed, Bract gumweed

Grindelia camporum

Physical Characteristics

Grindelia camporum is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiasthmatic Antiinflammatory Antispasmodic Eczema Expectorant Homeopathy Sedative Gumplant was used by the native North American Indians to treat bronchial problems and also skin afflictions such as reactions to poison ivy[254]. It is still used in modern herbalism where it is valued especially as a treatment for bronchial asthma and for states where phlegm in the airways impedes respiration[254]. In addition, it is believed to desensitize the nerve endings in the bronchial tree and slow the heart rate, thus leading to easier breathing[254]. The herb is contraindicated for patients with kidney or heart complaints[254]. The dried leaves and flowering tops are antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant and sedative[4, 61, 165, 238]. The principal use of this herb is in the treatment of bronchial catarrh, especially when there is an asthmatic tendency, it is also used to treat whooping cough and cystitis[4, 61, 238]. The active principle is excreted from the kidneys, and this sometimes produces signs of renal irritation[4, 238]. Externally, the plant is used to treat burns, poison ivy rash, dermatitis, eczema and skin eruptions[61, 238]. The plant is harvested when in full bloom and can be used fresh as a poultice or dried for infusions etc[238]. A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the leaves and flowering stems[4].

Known Hazards

Large doses used medicinally can irritate the kidneys[165].