Grindelia squarrosa

Gum plant

Grindelia squarrosa, commonly known as gumweed, is a resilient perennial herb native to North American prairies. Renowned for its sticky, resinous foliage, this plant has long been utilized in traditional medicine. It is primarily valued for its potent expectorant properties, helping to soothe respiratory ailments and ease persistent coughing.

  • Scientific name: Grindelia squarrosa
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae and the genus Grindelia. These taxonomic layers define its biological position as a member of the sunflower family.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Grindelia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Grindelia squarrosa, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Chyask, it is called Âhkévó'êstse, while in Ukrainian, it is known as Гринделія розчепірена. In Czech, the species is identified as grindelie rozkladitá, and in Estonian, it is called konks-vaiguvaak. Finally, in Finnish, this medicinal plant is commonly referred to as keltarilpiö.
Language Common Name Source
chy Âhkévó'êstse Wikidata
uk Гринделія розчепірена Wikidata
cs grindelie rozkladitá Wikidata
et konks-vaiguvaak Wikidata
fi keltarilpiö Wikidata
zh 胶菀 Wikidata
ar عشبة قرانديلا Wikidata
de Sperriges Gummikraut Wikidata
en gum plant Wikidata
en curly-cup gumweed Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be identified in both Ireland and Sweden. Moving toward the central regions, it is also found throughout Middle Europe. Specifically, the species inhabits the landscapes of Belgium and Germany. Finally, its geographical range extends further east to include Poland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Eastern Europe Belarus WCVP
Eastern Europe Baltic States WCVP
Eastern Europe Krym WCVP
Eastern Europe Central European Russia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as gumweed, is utilized in traditional medicine primarily through its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which include the stems, leaves, and flowering heads, are harvested to utilize the plant's characteristic sticky, resinous secretions. The aerial parts are often prepared as teas, tinctures, or decoctions to help soothe respiratory issues and support the immune system.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Grindelia squarrosa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include grindelic acid.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
grindelic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Grindelia squarrosa has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bronchitis, cough, fever, influenza, rhinitis.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
bronchitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cough 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 1 ★☆☆☆☆
influenza 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rhinitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆