Skip to main content

Madia-oil-plant

Madia sativa

Last reviewed: June 2026

Madia-oil-plant (Madia sativa)
Photo: Penarc / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

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

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.

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.

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.

Does Madia-oil-plant fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.