Madia densifolia
Greene.
Showy Tarweed
Description
Madia densifolia is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). 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.
Edible Uses
Seed - raw or cooked. Although quite small, the seed was a staple food for some native North American Indian tribes. Rich in oil, it can be roasted then ground into a powder and eaten dry, mixed with water, or combined with cereal flours. The seed was also used as piñole.
Distribution
South-western N. America.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada), Mexico (Baja California (Norte))
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know how well it will grow in Britain, though it should succeed as a spring-sown annual. Some botanists say that it is no more than a form of M. elegans, a species that does succeed in this country. The following notes are based on the needs of that species. Succeeds in any good garden soil. Prefers a deep open sharply drained soil in a sunny position. Another report says that it is best in a shady position. The flowers open in the morning or evening, closing when exposed to bright sunlight.
Propagation
Seed - sow in mid spring in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks.
