Grindelia stricta var. platyphylla

Gumweed (Grindelia stricta var. platyphylla) is a native perennial herb that grows in Southern and Central California, primarily in the Central Coast region. It is a member of the Asteraceae and has typical sunflower floral structure with yellow disk flowers and ray flowers. It tends to grow in tidal flats, coastal strand, and coastal sage scrub typically very near the ocean, at elevations from 0-700 feet. There are three recognized varieties of Grindelia stricta; var. platyphylla is broadly distributed along the coast from Del Norte County to Los Angeles County and the northern Channel Islands. The flower bud is distinctive in having large amount of sticky white sap which native people use as an adhesive. The plant has a prostrate, sprawling habit and roots as it spreads. It performs best in coastal gardens with sandy soil.