Skunk Weed, Skunkbush
Navarretia squarrosa

Family: Polemoniaceae

What it is like

Sometimes misspelt as Navarretia squanosa.

Navarretia squarrosa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Dry flats and fields in mixed woods below 800 metres in California.

Western N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - parched, ground into a powder and eaten dry. It is very small and fiddly to use.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

Dynamic accumulator.

Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.

How it is grown

Requires a very sunny position in a very well-drained dry to moist light or medium fertile soil.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Gillia squarrosa.