Grassy Tarweed
Madia gracilis
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
Eugene Zelenko
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Madia
- Species:
- Madia gracilis
- USDA Symbol:
- MAGR3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Annual that readily colonizes disturbed and burned areas; fire removes competition and exposes bare mineral soil favoring establishment.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open, dry habitats; prefers full sun
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; fall sowing or cool temperatures may improve germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: 45 days of cool/moist stratification at 38°F
Establishment: This plant is found primarily in the Western US and Canada, stretching as far south as California and as far East as Montana. Avoid dry heat treatment as it decreases germination.
Source: npn.rngr.net