Description
A cheerful member of the aster family (Asteraceae), Idaho gumweed blooms in the heat of summer on dry sites in full sun. Depending on elevation it will bloom between late June to early September. It prefers sharply drained sandy, gravelly or rocky soil at low to mid elevations. Idaho gumweed is native to the Western United States, from northern California up to eastern Washington and east to Idaho and parts of Nevada and Utah. The yellow, sunflower-like flowers are 2″ across, and underneath the flower head is a cup of resinous green bracts that have a bell or rounded shape. At the height of bloom Idaho gumweed typically grows 6″-2′ tall from a base of thick leaves; the whole plant is resinous and sticky, hence the common name gumweed. Idaho gumweed is highly attractive to many pollinators, especially native bees and butterflies. Deer resistant and drought tolerant.
Idaho gumweed (Grindelia nana) seed packets contain approximately 80 seeds per packet.
Seed Germination Instructions
30-60 days of cold-moist stratification is recommended. Sow seeds outside in fall to late winter and let nature do the stratification naturally outside, if you have cold enough winters. If you live in an area with mild winters, you may need to provide the cold-moist stratification artificially. For more information please read through the information in our Seed Germination and Propagation Reference Guide.
