Bristly Fiddleneck
Amsinckia tesselata
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
Amsinckia tesselata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Roadsides and dry open slopes and flats, often in disturbed soil
South-western N. America - Utah.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed. No more details are given, but the seeds of other members of the genus is dried then ground into a powder and make into cakes which are eaten raw. If this species is like most other members of the family Boraginaceae, the seed is likely to ripen over a period of time and individual seeds fall from the plant when they are ripe. This will make harvesting any quantity of seed very fiddly and time consuming. Leaves - raw. Sometimes the leaves are bruised by rubbing them between the hands and are then eaten with salt.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil in full sun.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist