Grindelia Squarrosa / Curlycup Gumweed / Asteraceae

What can I say, we got love for the outcasts! Much like our namesake the Trashpanda, these little guys are often seen as a nuisance (despite their native status). Given their preference for disturbed areas, they tend to be human-followers; often found along highway shoulders and frequently traversed trails.

Their showy yellow inflorescences shine brightly upon their resinous, curly cups (recurved bracts, called phyllaries, on their involucres) which enclose the flower heads. The plants rise about a foot or two tall, with serrate, sessile (without a stem/petiole) leaves. Each tooth on these leaves with a distinct yellow bump on the tip.

Fresh or dried leaves make an aromatic, slightly bitter but pleasant tea. Medicinally, this tea (or tincture) is utilized for bronchial and pulmonary complaints. Helping particularly with the phlegm in the airways. The plant gengly slows heart rate and allows for easier breathing. Washes are even reactions to poison oak and is great as external treatment for burns/rashes/etc.

The genus name of Grindelia stems from the botanist D.H. Grindel, while squarrosa refers to the aforementioned (squarrose) bracts.