Showy Tarweed (Madia densifolia)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in oil, it can be roasted then ground into a powder and eaten dry, mixed with water, or combined with cereal flours. — 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.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry open places. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)