Mountain Tarweed
Madia glomerata
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Madia glomerata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). 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. 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 moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Dry open places from the foothills to moderate elevations.
Western N. America - British Columbia to Saskatchewan, south to California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - raw or cooked. Rich in oil, it can be ground into a powder and eaten dry.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a herb bath in the treatment of venereal disease.
VD: Used in the treatment of venereal disease
Other
Rating:
The dried herb has been burnt as an incense.
Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.
How it is grown
Succeeds in any good garden soil. Prefers a deep open sharply drained soil in a sunny position. The flowers open in the morning or evening, closing when exposed to bright sunlight.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in mid spring in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist