Contents
Description
Madia Elegans, also known as common madia or tarweed, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This annual plant is native to western North America, from British Columbia to California, and can grow up to 4 feet in height. It produces yellow flowers that bloom from July to October and has a strong, pungent odor that attracts bees and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Madia |
Appearance
Madia Elegans has a bushy and upright growth habit, with stems that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with serrated edges and a rough texture. The flowers are daisy-like and have a bright yellow color with dark centers. The plant produces seeds that are dark brown and have a slightly curved shape.
Care Guide
Madia Elegans is a relatively easy plant to care for, as long as its basic needs are met. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, and it should be watered regularly but not over-watered. Fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade, and it is hardy in USDA zones 7-10. It is important to protect it from frost or freezing temperatures, as it is not a cold-hardy plant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Madia Elegans is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to fungal infections such as powdery mildew and rust. These can be treated with fungicides or by removing affected leaves or parts of the plant. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, but they can be controlled with insecticides or by using natural predators such as ladybugs.
Habitat
Madia Elegans is native to open and sunny areas, such as meadows, fields, and roadsides. It is commonly found in coastal regions and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy or rocky soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Madia Elegans a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Madia Elegans has a strong odor that attracts bees and other pollinators.
Q: How often should I water Madia Elegans?
A: Madia Elegans should be watered regularly, but not over-watered. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Q: Can Madia Elegans tolerate shade?
A: Madia Elegans prefers full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Madia Elegans?
A: Madia Elegans is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Related Plants
– Madia Sativa- Madia Microphylla- Madia Glandulosa
References
– “Madia Elegans.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 19, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280808.- “Madia Elegans.” Calflora. Accessed August 19, 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Madia+elegans.
