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Mountain Tarweed

Madia glomerata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Mountain Tarweed (Madia glomerata)
Photo: Oceancetaceen - Alice Chodura / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Mountain tarweed is a native annual wildflower that grows 1-3 feet tall with clusters of small yellow daisy-like flowers. It blooms from June through September and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal water once established. The plant has a somewhat informal appearance and reseeds naturally in suitable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mountain Tarweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Annual habit creates seasonal gaps in planting
  • Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional gardeners
  • Self-seeding nature may seem uncontrolled

Wildlife value

This wildflower attracts native bees and beetles during its long summer blooming period. It provides important late-season nectar when many other flowers have finished blooming.

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 Mountain Tarweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.