Clustered Tarweed
Deinandra fasciculata
The 'tar' is actually a fragrant resin that helps the plant retain moisture and deters thirsty insects during the harsh, dry Mediterranean summers.
- Scientific name
- Deinandra fasciculata
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Asterales › Asteraceae › Deinandra
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grassy valleys.
- Diet
- Photosynthetic (Sunlight, Water, CO2)
- Range
- California, Baja California
- Size
- 10 to 100 centimeters tall
- Lifespan
- 1 year (Annual)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Urban development, invasive non-native grasses, and habitat fragmentation.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. This plant is covered in a sticky, fragrant resin that may cling to clothing and skin. It is safe to observe closely, but avoid contact to prevent staining or a tacky residue.
Deinandra fasciculata (syn: Hemizonia fasciculata ), known by the common names clustered tarweed and fascicled spikeweed , is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family native to western North America.
Photo: Zack Abbey, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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