Mountain Tarweed
Madia glomerata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Mountain Tarweed (Madia glomerata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mountain Tarweed need?
- Mountain Tarweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mountain Tarweed bloom?
- Mountain Tarweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Mountain Tarweed native?
- Mountain Tarweed (Madia glomerata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Mountain Tarweed attract?
- Mountain Tarweed draws bees and beetles.
- Is Mountain Tarweed HOA-friendly?
- Mountain Tarweed 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Mountain Tarweed? 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