Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia - (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) ined.
(Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) ined.
Common Fiddleneck
gbif· cc-by-nc
rhewitt
gbif· cc-by-nc
Caleb Martinez
gbif· cc-by-nc
Caleb Martinez
Description
Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor 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.
Edible Uses
Fiddlenecks contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are dangerous liver toxins. These compounds cannot be removed by boiling, drying, or other simple processing. While the boiled young leaves taste mild and spinach-like, they are not safe to eat in quantity, and the seeds (nutlets) are bitter, bristly, and of very poor quality. Any edible use must be considered unsafe and only of historical or emergency significance. Edibility rating: 1/5 – potentially edible in the sense that young leaves were traditionally used, but not safe for consumption due to cumulative toxins.
Known Hazards
Fiddlenecks contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are dangerous liver toxins. These compounds cannot be removed by boiling, drying, or other simple processing.
Distribution
Found throughout the western United States and northern Mexico.
Where It Grows
Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Manitoba, Massachusetts, Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico Northwest, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Saskatchewan, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, Yukon
Cultivation
Prefers open, sunny sites with sandy or disturbed soils. Common on roadsides, rangelands, desert washes, and grasslands. Germinates readily after rainfall and thrives in areas with little competition. Drought-adapted, but short-lived—completing its life cycle quickly in spring. Habitat: Found throughout the western United States and northern Mexico. Particularly abundant in arid and semi-arid regions. Frequently carpets large areas in spring, forming dense, golden patches. Likely hardy in USDA zones 6–10, consistent with its wide distribution in desert, semi-desert, and grassland regions. Grows as a winter annual, germinating with winter rains and flowering in spring.
Propagation
Seed.
Other Uses
Provides early nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators in arid regions. Dense spring growth offers temporary ground cover that stabilizes soil.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Fiddleneck
