Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses of North Dakota

Late-Summer Wildflowers

Chris Grondahl photo: Curlycup gumweed (inset shows head of flower)
Chris Grondahl Curlycup gumweed
(Grindelia squarrosa)
Distribution: statewide
Habitat: road edges, depleted rangelands, overgrazed pastures, abandon croplands and other disturbed areas
Flowers: yellow in color, aster-like, located at the end of branched stems
Height: 8-36 inches
Blooms: July to late September
Family name: Aster (Asteraceae)
Other names: Curly-top gumweed
Plant uses and other interesting facts: Curlycup gumweed is an invader species which is quite drought resistant. It often becomes abundant after a period of dryness. American Indians used gumweed extracts to treat asthma, bronchitis, colic, and skin rashes. It is sticky to the touch.

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