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Curlycup Gumweed

Grindelia squarrosa

Curlycup Gumweed is a hardy native perennial of dry grasslands, open slopes, roadsides, and disturbed sites throughout southeastern British Columbia and the southern Interior. This adaptable species is especially valued for its ability to thrive in hot, exposed, low-water environments where many other native plants struggle.

  • Excellent drought tolerance once established
  • Thrives in full sun and poor, rocky, sandy, or disturbed soils
  • Long blooming period from summer into fall
  • Highly attractive to native bees, butterflies, beetles, and other pollinators
  • Strong choice for xeriscapes, pollinator gardens, boulevard plantings, and restoration sites
  • Naturally resilient in harsh conditions including heat, wind, and drought
  • Distinctive resinous flower buds add texture and seasonal interest
  • Can self-seed moderately in open soils, creating naturalized pollinator patches over time

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Growing Tips

Curly-cup Gumweed has exceptional ecological value for pollinators. It is included on the Native Bee Society of British Columbia list of important plants for specialist native bees, supporting 16 documented species of pollen-specialist bees. Its long flowering period also provides valuable late-season nectar and pollen for a wide diversity of native bumble bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, and other beneficial insects when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Detailed Description

Scientific Name: Grindelia squarrosa
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Flower Colour: Yellow
Flowering Months: July-September
Height (feet): 30–100 cm (1–3 ft) tall
Lifespan: Short-lived perennial to biennial; occasionally behaving as an annual on harsh or highly disturbed sites. Populations are often maintained through prolific reseeding.
Growth Form: Upright and branched, bushy
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: High

Pollinators & Wildlife

Palatability (Browsing/Grazing): Not palatable
Pollinator Value: Very high
Benefits To Pollinators: * abundant late-season nectar and pollen for a wide diversity of pollinators * supports 16 documented specialist native bee species * attracts bumble bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and beneficial flies * blooms during late-season nectar gaps when few other flowers remain * thrives in hot, dry sites, providing reliable pollinator habitat in challenging conditions
Pollinators: attracts bumble bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and beneficial flies
Larval Species (Lepidoptera): Unknown