Grindelia stricta

Salt Marsh Gumplant

Erect subshrub or perennial to 3' high with bright yellow daisy like flowers in late summer and fall. Spreads through rhizomes. Easy to grow and vigorous, excellent nectar plant for fall flying butterflies. May look ragged in natural setting but is handsome in the garden.

What a year for gumplant, Grindelia stricta, this has been. It started blooming early August and is still going strong in September. The blossoms are large yellow daisies, easily 3” across, which make good cut flowers. They are frequented by masses of European honeybees (this is data, they’re still around as of August 2008) and many interesting though unnamed native pollinators. Butterflies love it.

I’m always surprised to see it growing around the lagoon, where it is lanky and scrawny compared to the magnificent plants that now appear in new places in our garden. Deep green leaves and stunning flowers, and we don’t help it out much, no water and no fertilizer. Seems to like wood chip mulch. Maybe it is our appreciation that makes it so healthy. Cut about four inches above the ground in late fall. Appreciate.

Salt Marsh Gumplant - packet $5.50

(NOTE: We never collect, use, or sell this e-mail address)