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Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org |
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| R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database |
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Summary
Mountain tarweed is an aromatic annual wildflower of dry mountain habitats in western North America. Although only this species occurs naturally in the Southwest, several related tarweeds were important traditional food plants, particularly in California and South America, where their oil-rich seeds were gathered and cultivated. While mountain tarweed itself was not encountered during our fieldwork, its seeds are reported to be edible and are likely to have similar uses to those of its relatives.
Physical Characteristics
Madia glomerata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Amida gracilis Nutt. Amida hirsuta Nutt. Madia glomerata var. ramosa (Piper) Jeps. Madia ramosa Piper.
Plant Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses:
Mountain tarweed appears to be a useful but underappreciated native seed plant. While direct information on its culinary qualities is limited, the extensive traditional use of closely related Madia species strongly suggests that its seeds possess genuine food value. For modern foragers, however, mountain tarweed is likely to be of secondary importance compared with the more productive tarweed species found farther west [2-3]. The seeds are edible. No other parts are reported to be edible [2-3]. Edibility Rating: 3 out of 5 – Edible seeds with good potential, although this species is less well documented than other members of the genus [2-3]. Taste and Preparation: We did not locate mountain tarweed during our fieldwork, so we did not directly evaluate its flavor. However, Native Americans traditionally gathered seeds from several closely related Madia species and ground them into flour or cooked them into porridge. The seeds are believed to be oil-rich and suitable for similar preparation methods. Related species have also been cultivated for their edible seed oil, described as clear, yellowish-brown, mildly nutty, pleasantly aromatic, and comparable in quality to olive oil. Mountain tarweed may possess similar characteristics, although this has not been confirmed [2-3]. Seasonality: Mountain tarweed blooms from July to September, with seeds maturing in late summer and early autumn. Traditional Uses Although specific traditional use of mountain tarweed is poorly documented, closely related species—including slender tarweed (Madia gracilis), elegant tarweed (Madia elegans), and coast tarweed (Madia sativa)—were widely harvested by Native Americans in California for porridge and other foods. Coast tarweed has also been cultivated in South America since pre-Columbian times as an oilseed crop [2-3]. Safety: Tarweed seeds may contain potentially harmful compounds. However, the long history of seed consumption by Native peoples in both North and South America suggests that properly prepared seeds are generally safe. As always, correct identification is essential before consuming wild plants [2-3]. Seed - raw or cooked[257]. Rich in oil, it can be ground into a powder and eaten dry[61, 105, 161].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
VD
An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a herb bath in the treatment of venereal disease[257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
Other Uses
Incense
The dried herb has been burnt as an incense[257]. The yellow flower heads attract a variety of native bees and other pollinating insects. The seeds may also provide food for birds and small mammals.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Mountain tarweed grows best in full sun on dry, well-drained soils. It is adapted to open mountain environments and tolerates drought once established. Habitat: This species occurs in dry, open mountain habitats throughout the western United States, including scattered locations within the Southwest and Rocky Mountains. USDA Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4–8. Growth Rate: Fast. As an annual, mountain tarweed completes its life cycle in a single growing season. Mature Size: Plants typically grow 10–60 cm (4–24 inches) tall. Cultivation: Mountain tarweed prefers sunny sites with well-drained soils and relatively dry conditions. Like other annual wildflowers, it is propagated from seed each year. Identification: Mountain tarweed is an upright annual covered with dense, sticky hairs and noted for its strong, tar-like aroma. The leaves are narrow and linear, with lower leaves opposite and upper leaves alternate. Small yellow flower heads occur in dense terminal clusters. Each head bears few or no ray florets surrounding fertile yellow disc florets. The black, narrow cypselae are angled, hairless, and lack a pappus. Similar Species: Mountain tarweed is the only Madia species likely to be encountered naturally in the Southwest US. Other members of the genus occur mainly in California, Oregon, and Washington, where several species have historically been important seed crops. Succeeds in any good garden soil[1]. Prefers a deep open sharply drained soil in a sunny position[200]. The flowers open in the morning or evening, closing when exposed to bright sunlight[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow in mid spring in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Tarweed.
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Yukon, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia), United States (Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona (north), California, Nevada, Utah)
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not
in your area so it's worth checking.
Low. Although sticky and strongly scented, mountain tarweed is a native species and is not considered invasive.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not listed.
IUCN Red List
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Botanical References
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