annualN. America Native

Grassy Tarweed

Madia gracilis

The Story

Plant Bio

Madia gracilis is an upright annual herb native to open slopes and dry grasslands across western North America. Its narrow foliage and stems are covered in sticky, glandular hairs that release a distinct lemon fragrance when touched.

Small lemon-yellow flower heads open from late spring through fall, featuring lobed ray petals that encircle dark central anthers. The sticky stem secretions act as a physical barrier against crawling sap-sucking insects, protecting the upper flower clusters.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lemon-yellow flowers and fragrant sticky foliage in naturalistic native plantings.

Establishes readily in harsh, nutrient-deficient gravels where standard garden plants fail.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and general pollinators to open garden plots.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

31"

Width

12"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Western North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic (may cause mild skin irritation)

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun featuring dry, sandy, or gravelly soil.
Scatter seeds directly over bare, unamended soil in fall or early spring and press lightly.
Water lightly to prompt germination, then reduce irrigation as seedlings establish deep roots.
Allow plants to flower, set seed, and complete their annual cycle naturally.

Pro Tip

Sow seed directly into lean, well-drained gravelly soil in full sun; rich compost and heavy irrigation induce weak, floppy stems and severe powdery mildew.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide sharp drainage and unfiltered full sun exposure.
Let the soil dry out thoroughly between light waterings.
Allow flower heads to drop seed in fall to maintain self-sustaining colonies.

Don't

Do not apply nitrogen fertilizers, which produce weak and top-heavy growth.
Do not plant in damp, humid, or poorly ventilated garden locations.
Do not apply heavy organic mulch around plant bases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native wildflower meadowsDry rock gardensRestoration and slope stabilization

Companion Plants

Eschscholzia californica Lupinus microcarpus Achillea millefolium Clarkia purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Grassy Tarweed questions

What zones can Grassy Tarweed grow in?

Grassy Tarweed is an annual: it grows, flowers and sets seed in one season, so winter cold doesn't limit where it grows. Gardeners in any zone can grow it by planting at the right time, usually after the last spring frost.

Is Grassy Tarweed deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Grassy Tarweed, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Grassy Tarweed bloom?

Grassy Tarweed typically blooms from late spring to late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Grassy Tarweed need full sun?

Grassy Tarweed does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Grassy Tarweed drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Grassy Tarweed handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.