Showy Tarweed
Madia elegans
Last reviewed: July 2026
Madia elegans (Showy Tarweed) is a native California wildflower that blooms from May through August with bright yellow daisy-like flowers. This drought-tolerant annual thrives in full sun and attracts bees and butterflies.
Showy Tarweed (Madia elegans) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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 × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, NV, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Madia elegans (Common Madia or Elegant Tarweed) is a showy annual wildflower with bright yellow daisy-like blooms that open in the evening and close by midday. The plant grows in an upright form with slender stems and produces flowers from late spring through summer.
Growing Showy Tarweed
Grow Showy Tarweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Showy Tarweed is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Plant becomes sticky with resinous glands that have a strong odor
- Can look untidy after blooming
- May self-seed aggressively in garden settings
Wildlife value
Common Madia is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, providing important nectar and pollen resources during summer months when other plants may not be blooming.
Common questions
- When does Madia elegans bloom?
- Showy Tarweed blooms from May through August, producing bright yellow flowers that are particularly attractive to pollinators during the summer months.
- Where is Madia elegans native?
- Madia elegans is native to the western United States, specifically California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
- What pollinators visit Showy Tarweed?
- Madia elegans attracts various bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens in its native range.
- What growing conditions does Madia elegans prefer?
- Showy Tarweed thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-suited to drought-tolerant landscapes and native plant gardens.
- Is Showy Tarweed toxic to dogs?
- Showy Tarweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Showy Tarweed toxic to cats?
- Showy Tarweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Showy Tarweed HOA-friendly?
- Showy Tarweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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 Showy Tarweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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