Pronounced (approximate): grin-DEE-lee-ah skwar-ROH-sah
Yellow ray flowers surround a yellow central disk. Sticky green bracts curl outward beneath the flower heads.
Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa): yellow ray and disk flowers. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Asteraceae
Life cycle Biennial or short-lived perennial; sometimes annual
Blooms Summer–early fall
Height 1–3 feet
Habitat Dry prairies, roadsides, and open disturbed ground
Common names
Curlycup Gumweed · Gumweed · Curlytop Gumweed
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Dry prairies, roadsides, and open disturbed ground. Flowering season: summer–early fall.
The curled, resinous bracts are especially useful when comparing other yellow composites.
Yellow ray flowers surround a yellow central disk.
Alternate oblong leaves have toothed margins and resin glands.
Look for biennial or short-lived perennial; sometimes annual growth in dry prairies, roadsides, and open disturbed ground. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
7 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it.
Native from Canada through much of the United States to northeastern Mexico.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Curlycup Gumweed in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.