(n) any of various western American plants of the genus Grindelia having resinous leaves and stems formerly used medicinally; often poisonous to livestock, Syn. gum plant, tarweed, rosinweed
n. (Bot.) (a) The compass plant. See under Compass. (b) A name given in California to various composite plants which secrete resins or have a resinous smell. [ 1913 Webster ]