Grindelia humilis
| Grindelia humilis | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 5' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Grindelia humilis (common name: hairy gumweed)
Propagation: Seed - sow autumn or spring in a cool greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the plants into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun[1]. Does well on dry sandy banks and in poor soils[1].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[1].
There is some confusion over the correct name for this species. The report on medicinal uses in [2] relates to G. cuniefolia, a name that has been used by two authors. G. cuniefolia. non Nutt. is said to be a synonym of G. humilis and so the entry has been made here.
Range: Western N. America.
Habitat: Coastal salt marshes[3].
Medicinal: The dried leaves and flowering tops are antiasthmatic, expectorant and sedative[2]. The principal use of this herb is in the treatment of bronchial catarrh, especially when there is an asthmatic tendency[2]. The active principle is excreted from the kidneys, and this sometimes produces signs of renal irritation[2].
The plant has been used in the treatment of itching skin eruptions caused by contact with poison oak (Rhus spp.)[4].
A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the leaves and flowering stems[2].
Usage: Yellow and green dyes are obtained from the flowering heads and pods. Aromatic.
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: G. cuneifolia
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ Munz, David. A California Flora. University of California Press, 1959.
- ↑ Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.