1. Common Tarplant – Hemizonia/ Deinandra fasciculata
(hemi-ZONE-ee-uh (Die-NAN-druh) fa-SICK-you LAY-tuh)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Southwestern California, especially the immediate coast, southern Central Coast and in
the western Outer South Coast Ranges to Baja; dry coastal plains below 1000', coastal grasslands,
vernal pools, coastal scrub, southern oak woodland.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual wildflower mature height:1-3 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Erect, stiff, many branched annual. Lower leaves somewhat bristly; upper leaves very narrow, in
bunches. Foliage aromatic.
Produces tarry substance that can stain skin/clothes (remove with
alcohol).
Blooms in summer, usually May to Aug. Flowers are small, simple sunflower heads
with five yellow ray flowers, six yellow and black disk flowers. Flowers seem to float on the sparse,
twiggy foliage. Showy when massed. Parched seeds add pleasant flavor for cooked foods.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: look best in mixed beds, with other drought-tolerant shrubs and wildflowers.
Nice addition to wildflower meadow or with native grasses.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native yellow-flowered annuals.
Excellent bird habitat, providing fall food for doves, blackbirds, finches, Oregon juncos,
western meadowlarks, sparrows, towhees as well as chipmunks, ground squirrels.
Butterflies
(especially Blue butterflies) visit flowers.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Any texture; any local pH
Needs adequate winter/spring moisture. Little/no water after flowering.
None needed
Management:
Will reseed on bare ground.
Propagation: from seed: sow directly in prepared soil or in pots in fall.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 10, 16, 19
12/31/13
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