Fauna
Plant

Great Valley Gumweed

Grindelia camporum

Also known as Great Valley Gumplant

Great Valley gumweed is a tough, resin-coated perennial or subshrub native to the Central Valley and arid coastal ranges of California and northern Baja. Its unopened flower heads are famously drenched in a milky, aromatic white gum that repels hungry herbivores and traps moisture under scorching summer heat. Bright yellow daisy-like blossoms burst open in late summer, providing a vital nectar lifeline for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when most regional flora has gone dormant.

Drought-TolerantWildflowerPollinator Plant
Great Valley Gumweed reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotoautotrophic (sunlight, water, carbon dioxide)
ThreatsUrban development, agricultural conversion, and invasive weeds
HabitatsDry valleys, floodplains, alkaline flats, coastal scrub, and roadsides
Life spanPerennial (typically 3–5 years)
Classification
  1. FamilyAsteraceae
  2. SpeciesGrindelia camporum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Resin Awareness: Touch flower buds gently if you wish to inspect the sticky resin, but expect gummy fingers.
  • Best Viewing: Look for full yellow blooms between June and October along dry banks and trail margins.
Related species
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