Coastal Gumplant
Grindelia stricta var. angustifolia
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
Fast, Standing; Typically sandy. Tolerates saline soil..
3–5ft tall , 7–7ft wide
Mar-Nov
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Coastal scrub and grasslands from Mendocino County south to Santa Barbara County, below 1000 ft elevation along coastal areas.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Coastal Gumplant in full sun in a location with fast-draining or sandy soil - it tolerates saline soils, making it ideal for coastal Bay Area gardens. Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart since they can sprawl or grow upright, and plant in spring or fall. This plant is deciduous and cold-hardy to 30°F, so it handles Bay Area winters well.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer to establish the plant, then taper to once monthly or less once established - this is a very low water plant, so err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering. The most common mistake is overwatering; once established in year two, aim for no more than three times per month during summer. The plant blooms from March through November and will drop its leaves in winter, so don't panic when it goes dormant.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Important nectar source for multiple Bombus species Jun-Sep
Primary pollen foragers on Grindelia flowers
Grindelia flowers attract diverse native bee fauna during peak bloom
Nectar foraging Jul-Sep during colony growth and reproduction
Forages on flowers for pollen during breeding season Jun-Aug
Pollen forager on Grindelia flowers Jul-Aug