Gumweed (grindelia) is one of the last plants to bloom on the summer Prairie and I think it’s because the land requires the full growing season to perfect the scent of sunshine. Gumweed is like holding a bit of the sun in your hand. It is a glorious distillation of wild greening things, wind, and sunlight. It’s just starting to fade now in the pasture, a sign that the summer is ending.