Gum Plant

Native to North America and way underutilized by gardeners, gumplant is a short-lived tender-perennial with large, toothed leaves and daisy-like yellow flowers on leafy stalks. Tolerant of poor soil and dry conditions, it prefers full sun and is appropriate for meadow gardens. Gumplant produces a resin that can be chewed like gum, and is a traditional Native American remedy for colds, coughs, nasal congestion and bronchial irritations. Also used to heal burns, rashes, blisters and poison ivy. Harvest plants while they are in full bloom and dry to use in tinctures and infusions, or use fresh in poultices.