Pacific gum plant (Grindelia stricta variety platyphylla) is a coastal, ground-hugging perennial that displays a blanket of 2 1/2-inch daisies this time of year, but will be in bloom to one degree or another at all times. As a coastal plant, it welcomes wind and salty air, but will do better in half-day sun in inland gardens. Flower buds are covered with a tip of resin, from which their “gum plant” name derives, protecting the blooms from predators once they open. Like most plants in the daisy family, it attracts a plethora of pollinating insects and butterflies. Foliage is also sticky, with margins that are charmingly toothed. This is a prostrate species that grows 8 inches tall and roots wherever its stems touch the ground, expanding to 6 feet or more. It is available at the Theodore Payne Foundation (theodorepayne.org) nursery in Sun Valley and from online vendors.