Puget Sound gumweed

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Puget Sound gumweed
• gumweed

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Grindelia integrifolia var. aestivalis
• Grindelia integrifolia var. autumnalis
• Grindelia integrifolia f. villosa
• Grindelia villosa
• Grindelia integrifolia f. dentata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is specifically identified by the genus Grindelia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several specific regions in North America. In Western Canada, its presence is noted within the province of British Columbia. Moving south into the Northwestern United States, it can be found growing in Oregon. Additionally, the species inhabits the state of Washington. Together, these areas define the primary geographical range of Grindelia integrifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Grindelia integrifolia is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, it establishes a robust root system that enables it to survive dormant periods and emerge to flower repeatedly over several years. Its development cycle typically involves seasonal growth phases driven by environmental cues, where it invests energy into both vegetative spread and reproductive efforts. Through its perennial lifecycle, the plant can maintain a stable presence within its ecological niche, often utilizing its longevity to navigate variable environmental conditions and ensure long-term survival and seed production.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Grindelia integrifolia is characterized by its growth form as a forb, presenting a structure typical of herbaceous plants. Regarding its physical support and habit, it is categorized as self-supporting, meaning it does not utilize climbing mechanisms such as tendrils or twining stems to ascend. Additionally, the plant exhibits variable woodiness, where the degree of lignification in its stems can fluctuate depending on environmental conditions and the age of the individual plant.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

forb

Woodiness :

variable

Reproduction

The reproduction of Grindelia integrifolia is characterized by the production of specialized seeds that exhibit specific morphological and mass-related traits essential for its dispersal and establishment. Quantitative analysis of the seed characteristics reveals a highly consistent size distribution within the population. The seed mass follows a narrow range, with a measured mean mass of 0.0039415 g. This central value is bounded by a minimum seed mass of 0.003573 g and a maximum seed mass of 0.00431 g, indicating a precise evolutionary adaptation in seed development. These subtle variations in mass contribute to the plant's reproductive strategy, ensuring that the progeny are equipped with the necessary nutrient reserves to successfully germinate within its natural habitat.

Seed mass max:

0.00431 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0039415 g

Seed mass min:

0.003573 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Grindelia integrifolia has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 19-Hydroxygrindelic acid, 3beta-Hydroxygrindelic acid, Grindelic acid, Methyl grindeloate, Tarapacanol A.

19-Hydroxygrindelic acid

1. Journal of natural products

3beta-Hydroxygrindelic acid

1. Journal of natural products

Grindelic acid

1. Journal of natural products

Methyl grindeloate

1. Journal of natural products

Tarapacanol A

1. Journal of natural products

Tarapacol

1. Journal of natural products