Madia-oil-plant
Madia sativa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Madia sativa is a native annual forb found in California, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin that blooms yellow flowers from June through September. This drought-tolerant plant attracts bees and beetles in full sun conditions.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA, OR, WA, WI
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Madia sativa is an annual wildflower that grows 1-4 feet tall with small yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom from summer through early fall. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal watering once established. As an annual, it will need to be replanted each year or allowed to self-seed.
Growing Madia-oil-plant
Grow Madia-oil-plant in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 6 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Madia-oil-plant takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Can appear weedy and unkempt
- Annual growth habit creates gaps in plantings
Wildlife value
This plant provides nectar for bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from June through September. The seeds also offer food for birds later in the season.
Common questions
- When does Madia sativa bloom?
- Madia sativa blooms from June through September, producing yellow flowers that attract various pollinators.
- Where is Madia sativa native?
- Madia sativa is native to California, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin in the United States.
- What pollinators visit Madia sativa?
- Madia sativa attracts bees and beetles as its primary pollinators during its summer blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Madia sativa prefer?
- Madia sativa thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and natural areas.
- Is Madia-oil-plant HOA-friendly?
- Madia-oil-plant takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Madia-oil-plant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz