Puget sound gumweed (Grindelia integrifolia)

Also known as: Willamette Valley Gumweed, Gum Plant, Resinweed, Coastal gumweed

The plant you're thinking of is the Puget Sound gumweed (Grindelia integrifolia). This perennial thrives in salt marshes and meadows throughout the Pacific Northwest of North America. It blooms in the summer with striking yellow, daisy-like flowers, featuring both ray and disc florets. These blossoms offer essential late-season nectar and pollen for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Puget sound gumweed

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb, Shrub

Plant Height

30 cm to 76 cm

Spread

75 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Images of Puget sound gumweed

Quickly Identify Puget sound gumweed

Grindelia integrifolia can be identified by its sticky, resin-coated leaves and stems, bright yellow composite flowers, and typically grows in coastal and disturbed areas. The leaves are lance-shaped with smooth margins, and the plant produces a strong resinous odor when crushed.

Scientific Classification of Puget sound gumweed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asterales

Family

Daisy

Genus

Gumweed

Species

Puget sound gumweed

Planting and Growing of Puget sound gumweed

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Puget sound gumweed?

Grindelia integrifolia requires a watering approach where the soil is evenly moist but not saturated. It's important to allow the top inch of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This prevents root rot while ensuring the plant receives adequate moisture for its needs.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Puget sound gumweed? ›

What should I do if my Puget sound gumweed is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Puget sound gumweed? ›

How to save an overwatered Puget sound gumweed? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Puget sound gumweed?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Grindelia integrifolia ideally prospers under full sun conditions. Consistent sunlight will enhance its blooming potential, vibrant colors, and overall plant vigor.

Optimal Light Exposure ›

Obtaining Ideal Light Conditions ›

Benefits of Ideal Light ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Puget sound gumweed?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Grindelia integrifolia is between 60°F and 75°F. This range provides the optimal balance of warmth and coolness necessary for the plant's metabolic activities and photosynthesis. Maintaining temperatures within this range is crucial for maximizing growth and flowering.

What Soil is Best for Puget sound gumweed?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy soil

Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.5

Grindelia integrifolia thrives in well-drained soils that prevent waterlogging, which could lead to root rot. This is crucial for promoting healthy root development and overall plant vitality. It prefers soils with moderate fertility. Too much fertility can lead to excessive foliage growth with minimal flowering, hindering its natural attractive blooms. Maintaining a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 ensures optimal nutrient availability, which enhances the plant's ability to absorb essential elements for robust growth.

How to Fertilize Puget sound gumweed?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Grindelia integrifolia benefits from a balanced fertilizer approach. For liquid fertilizers, use a solution diluted to half strength to prevent overfeeding. Apply approximately 250ml per plant during the growing season. For slow-release fertilizers, opt for a formula with an N-P-K ratio of 5-10-5, applying sparingly as instructed by the product label.

How to Prune Puget sound gumweed?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Always prune to maintain the plant’s natural shape. Avoid cutting too close to the buds to preserve the form and prevent harming the plant, ensuring cuts are clean to encourage quick healing. While regular pruning is beneficial, excessive trimming can stress the plant. Ensure you retain enough foliage to maintain photosynthetic efficiency, balancing both growth and energy. Ensure your tools are clean and sharp. Dull or dirty tools can cause ragged cuts or introduce diseases. Sterilize tools before use, especially when dealing with sick plants, to reduce the risk of spreading pathogens. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Puget sound gumweed plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late spring,Early spring

To propagate Grindelia integrifolia from seeds, first collect mature seeds from dried flower heads. Clean the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant in early spring.

Select healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings, approximately 4-6 inches long. Using sterilized shears, make a clean cut just below a node, and remove the lower leaves to expose the stem.

In the early spring, dig up mature Grindelia integrifolia plants. Gently separate the root clumps into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a healthy root system and foliage.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Puget sound gumweed plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repotting Grindelia integrifolia becomes necessary when you observe its roots growing through the drainage holes, indicating that the plant has outgrown its current container. Other signs include slow growth and soil that dries out rapidly after watering. These cues suggest that the plant requires more space to thrive and continue its development.

Selecting an appropriate pot for Grindelia integrifolia involves choosing one that is only a few inches larger in diameter than the current pot. The new pot should have multiple drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The material of the pot, preferably terracotta, enhances breathability and wicks away excess moisture, maintaining a balanced root environment.

The ideal soil for repotting Grindelia integrifolia is a well-draining sandy mix, enriched with organic matter to provide nutrients. Sandy soil ensures proper drainage, preventing the roots from sitting in water, which is crucial for plant health. Incorporating organic material supports the plant's nutritional needs, promoting robust growth and blooms.