Grindelia squarrosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grindelia squarrosa |
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| Curlycup gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Grindelia
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| Species: |
squarrosa
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| Synonyms | |
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Synonymy
Donia squarrosa Pursh 1813
Aurelia amplexicaulis Cass. Aurelia squarrosa Cass. ex Steud. Grindelia aphanactis Rydb. Grindelia arguta A.Gray Grindelia nuda Alph.Wood Grindelia pinnatifida Wooton & Standl. Grindelia serrulata Rydb. |
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Grindelia squarrosa, often called curlycup gumweed or curly-top gumweed, is a small plant found in North America. It can live for two years (a biennial) or a few years (a perennial plant).
This plant naturally grows across western and central North America. You can find it from British Columbia in Canada, all the way east to Québec and New England in the United States. It also grows south into California, New Mexico, Arizona, Chihuahua in Mexico, and Texas. Sometimes, it spreads and grows in new places in the eastern parts of this area.
Contents
What is Curlycup Gumweed?
Curlycup gumweed often grows in places where the ground has been disturbed, like along roadsides or near streams. It can be found at elevations between 700 and 2,300 meters (about 2,300 to 7,500 feet).
This plant is a herb or a small shrub that can grow up to 100 centimeters (about 40 inches) tall. It has many branches. Its leaves are a gray-green color and are usually 1.5 to 7 centimeters long. They have a wavy edge with small yellow bumps near the tip of each tooth. The leaves also feel sticky because they have a lot of resin.
Flowers and Blooming Time
Grindelia squarrosa produces many bright yellow flowers. These flowers grow in groups at the ends of its branches. Each flower head usually has 12 to 40 yellow petals, called ray flowers. Sometimes, a flower head might not have any petals at all! In the center of these petals are many tiny disc flowers.
The plant blooms during the summer and early fall, usually from July through late September.
Types of Curlycup Gumweed
Scientists have identified a few different types, or varieties, of Grindelia squarrosa:
- Grindelia squarrosa var. quasiperennis
- Grindelia squarrosa var. serrulata
- Grindelia squarrosa var. squarrosa
Uses of Curlycup Gumweed
This plant is very helpful for bees! The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center says that Grindelia squarrosa is of "Special Value to Native Bees." This means it provides important food for many types of native bees.
Important Safety Note
Curlycup gumweed can take in a substance called selenium from the soil. Because of this, it can be harmful if eaten by animals like cattle, or even by humans. It's important not to eat this plant.
Future Fuel Source?
Scientists are looking at Grindelia squarrosa as a possible source for biofuel. This plant contains special chemicals called terpenes. These terpenes can be changed into a fuel similar to kerosene or jet fuel.
Since this plant grows well in dry, desert areas, it's an interesting option. Growing it in deserts would mean it wouldn't take up land that is used for growing food crops.
Traditional Medicine Uses
The sticky resin from the plant has been used to help treat poison ivy rashes on the skin.
Native American tribes, especially those from the Great Plains, have used the flowers and leaves of this plant as a medicinal herb. They used it to help with problems like asthma, bronchitis, or skin rashes. In the past, some people even smoked the powdered flowers in cigarettes to help with asthma symptoms.
The Shoshone peoples also use this plant as a traditional medicine. The Gosiute language name for the plant is mu’-ha-kûm. In the Lakota language, it is called pteíčhiyuȟa.
See also
In Spanish: Grindelia squarrosa para niños
