Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa), fam. Asteraceae.
   Blooms from summer to autumn, often in the most infertile soils (for example, among the railways). It is easily recognized by inflorescences, surrounded by curved spikes, and covered with sticky substance (especially before flowering).
   Curlycup gumweed has entered Ukraine during the World War II. This is confirmed by the fact that the earliest occurences of gumweed were located in the places where the wagon trains with hay stood for long time, after having been delivered from the USA to feed the horses. Apparently, it was that hay in which gumweed arrived to Ukraine. This plant has spasmolytic, antiseptic, expectorant, antiallergic, antibacterial, sedative, detox, disinfectant, antiarrhythmic, and light diuretic action, stimulates appetite.

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