Slender Tarweed

Madia subspicata

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Madia
Species:
Madia subspicata
USDA Symbol:
MASU

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
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 tarweed adapted to California grassland fire regimes; reseeds prolifically after fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry, open habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
10–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Fall sowing recommended in native range.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI