FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE
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FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE
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THE LAST FLORAL SHOW By Laverne Rabinowitz What would you consider the "last carpet" of flowers at Edgewood--growing out of what is by now very arid earth? Hayfield tarweed (Hemizonia congesta luzulaefolia) and several Madia (common, threadstream, and slender; and coast tarweed) are found on Edgewood’s grasslands. Particularly prolific are the Hemizonia (illustrated), on the heels of their final displays of spring blooms and lasting until October. Loosely branched and 1 to 2 feet in height, these plants are members of the Composite family. The flowers of the Hayfield tarweed have the aroma of myrrh. The foliage is also heavily scented, and the crushed leaves give off a spicy aroma reminiscent of balsam (some would call it not so pleasant!). The leaves and stems are covered with sticky hairs (hence the name tarweed). While this species has white flowers, other tarweeds have yellow blossoms. And the Madia elegans or "Common madia" has a touch of burgundy near the base of the yellow ray flowers. Of the 25 or more California tarweed species, 3 are sources of honey--one (from Hemizonia fasciculata) is dark-amber in color and strong in flavor, formerly used in the manufacture of chewing tobacco and shoeblack. These common yet dainty flowers are a welcome sight at the end of the season at Edgewood. |
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