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Project Noah Nature School
Grindelia squarrosa
An erect, tall forb, growing 1 to 3 feet tall, with 1 to several branched stems. Grows from a taproot, branching above. Starts growth in early spring, flowers July to August, reproduces from seeds. Numerous yellow flowers. There are bracts at the base of the flower which are shiny, sticky, and curved downward (hence the name "squarrose" in the name). Fruit is an achene.
Belton Dam spillway.
The Native American peoples utilized remedies made from the grindelia herb to treat bronchial problems as well as skin afflictions of all kinds, including allergic reactions to the poison ivy plant. The real effectiveness and medicinal value of this plant was not recognized by the orthodox practitioners of medicine in the US till the middle of the 19th century - after which it came into prominence as a major therapeutic and medicinal herb. Official recognition of the grindelia came with the introduction of the herb in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States from 1882 to about 1926. Modern herbalists still prescribe the herb as a major remedy in treating some types of disorders.
Spotted on Oct 12, 2012
Submitted on Oct 21, 2012
1 Comment
Good spotting and description.