Madia Sativa

Taxonomic Information

Description: Madia Sativa, also known as Common Tarweed or Coastal Tarweed, is an annual plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the coastal regions of California, Oregon, and Baja California. This plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. Its stems are green and hairy, while its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped. It produces small yellow flowers that bloom from July to September.

Appearance

Appearance: Madia Sativa has a tall and slender appearance, with a single stem that grows straight up from the ground. Its leaves are alternate, sessile, and linear, with a length of 2 to 10 cm and a width of 1 to 5 mm. The flowers are 6 to 10 mm in diameter, with yellow petals that are tinged with orange or red. The fruit is an achene that is 2 to 3 mm long, with a pappus that is 4 to 6 mm long.

Care Guide

Water: Madia Sativa prefers dry to medium moisture levels, so it should be watered sparingly. It can tolerate drought conditions, but it may need to be watered more frequently during hot and dry periods.

Fertilization: Madia Sativa does not require fertilization, as it is capable of fixing its own nitrogen from the soil. However, if the soil is poor in nutrients, it may benefit from a light application of organic fertilizer.

Soil: Madia Sativa prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not grow well in heavy, compacted soils.

Sunlight: Madia Sativa prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may grow taller and thinner in shaded areas.

Hardiness Zones: Madia Sativa is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C).

Common Pests & Diseases

Pests: Madia Sativa is relatively resistant to pests, but it may be attacked by aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Diseases: Madia Sativa is susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust. These diseases can be prevented by maintaining good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.

Habitat

Habitat: Madia Sativa is native to the coastal regions of California, Oregon, and Baja California. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, coastal scrub, and chaparral. It prefers well-drained soils and is often found growing in areas that experience periodic wildfires.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Madia Sativa a drought-tolerant plant?

A: Yes, Madia Sativa is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.

Q: What is the blooming period of Madia Sativa?

A: Madia Sativa blooms from July to September.

Q: What is the hardiness zone of Madia Sativa?

A: Madia Sativa is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.

Q: What are the common pests of Madia Sativa?

A: The common pests of Madia Sativa are aphids, spider mites, and thrips.

Related Plants

• Madia Elegans
• Madia Glomerata
• Madia Longipes
• Madia Radiata

References

• Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals, including the Consortium of California Herbaria. (n.d.). Madia sativa. Retrieved from https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=4984
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plants profile for Madia sativa (coastal tarweed). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MASA2
• Wikipedia contributors. (2021, January 12). Madia sativa. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:23, January 23, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Madia_sativa&oldid=999844906