Tarweed Fiddleneck

Basic Information

Common Name: Tarweed Fiddleneck

Scientific Name: Amsinckia lycopsoides

Native Habitat: California, southwestern Oregon

History / Discovery / Cultivator

Amsinckia lycopsoides, commonly known as Tarweed Fiddleneck, is a member of the Boraginaceae family, a group of plants celebrated for its often bristly or hairy texture and spiraled flower arrangements. The genus Amsinckia is named in honor of Wilhelm Amsinck, a patron of the Hamburg Botanical Garden during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The specific epithet, “lycopsoides,” suggests a resemblance to plants in the genus Lycopsis (now largely included in Anchusa), which are also members of the borage family and known for their bristly leaves.

The discovery and formal description of Amsinckia lycopsoides likely occurred during the period of intensive botanical exploration of the western United States, particularly California, in the 19th century. Botanists of this era, often affiliated with universities, herbaria, or government expeditions, sought to document the rich and diverse flora of the region. While the exact individual responsible for first identifying and describing Amsinckia lycopsoides is not always explicitly stated in readily available records, it would have been one of the botanists actively studying the California flora at the time. These included individuals like Asa Gray, one of the most prominent American botanists of the 19th century, and others associated with early botanical surveys.

Tarweed Fiddleneck is native to California and southwestern Oregon. This region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It thrives in open habitats such as grasslands, chaparral, and disturbed areas. Its ability to flourish in these environments is linked to its adaptations to drought and the specific soil conditions prevalent in its native range. It has adapted to compete effectively in these environments, often alongside other native wildflowers and grasses.

As a wildflower, Tarweed Fiddleneck is generally not cultivated in a horticultural sense like many ornamental plants. However, its seeds may be included in wildflower mixes designed for habitat restoration or to support native pollinators. Because of its native status and contribution to local ecosystems, the plant has gained recognition among native plant enthusiasts and conservationists. Organizations dedicated to preserving native California flora may actively promote its use in appropriate settings.

Efforts to cultivate Tarweed Fiddleneck are generally driven by ecological considerations rather than ornamental purposes. Native plant nurseries might propagate it to supply plants for restoration projects or for sale to gardeners interested in creating native plant gardens. Its value lies in its ecological role as a food source for pollinators and as a component of the native plant community.

The history of Amsinckia lycopsoides is thus intertwined with the botanical exploration of the American West, its adaptation to specific environmental conditions, and its current role in ecological restoration and conservation efforts. It is a testament to the importance of native plants in maintaining biodiversity and supporting ecosystem health.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Tarweed Fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides) exhibits several notable adaptations that allow it to thrive in its native Mediterranean climate of California and southwestern Oregon. One of its key adaptations is its drought tolerance. The plant has developed mechanisms to conserve water, allowing it to survive through the dry summer months. Its hairy or bristly texture, characteristic of many members of the Boraginaceae family, can help to reduce water loss by trapping moisture and reducing airflow around the leaf surface. The plant’s taproot system allows it to access water deep in the soil profile, further enhancing its drought resilience. Additionally, the plant’s life cycle is adapted to the seasonal rainfall patterns of its native environment. It typically germinates in the fall or winter when moisture is abundant, grows and flowers in the spring, and then sets seed before the onset of the dry summer. This phenological adaptation allows it to complete its life cycle during the most favorable conditions.

Propagation Methods

Propagating Tarweed Fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides) is primarily achieved through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from mature plants in late spring or early summer, once the seed capsules have dried. For successful germination, a period of cold stratification is often beneficial. This involves storing the seeds in a cool, moist environment (such as a refrigerator) for several weeks before planting. This mimics the natural winter conditions and helps to break seed dormancy. Once stratified, the seeds can be sown directly into well-draining soil in a sunny location. Germination typically occurs within a few weeks, provided the soil is kept consistently moist. Due to the plant’s preference for well-draining soil and its drought tolerance, it’s important to avoid overwatering the seedlings. While not commonly practiced, stem cuttings might be possible but may not be as effective as seed propagation.

Toxicology

Tarweed Fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides) contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic compounds that can cause liver damage and other health problems if ingested. These alkaloids are present in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and seeds. The level of toxicity can vary depending on the specific plant and environmental conditions.

If ingested by humans, even in small quantities, Tarweed Fiddleneck can cause acute or chronic liver damage. Symptoms of PA poisoning may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and fatigue. In severe cases, liver failure can occur. Long-term exposure to PAs can also increase the risk of liver cancer.

Pets, such as cats, dogs, and livestock, are also susceptible to PA poisoning from Tarweed Fiddleneck. Livestock, in particular, are at risk if they graze in areas where the plant is abundant. Symptoms in animals are similar to those in humans and can include loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, and neurological signs. If you suspect that a human or animal has ingested Tarweed Fiddleneck, it is important to seek immediate medical or veterinary attention. Because of its toxicity, it should not be grown in areas accessible to children or livestock and extra precaution should be taken to avoid plant matter contamination of food intended for human or animal consumption.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Thrips

Diseases:

• Powdery mildew
• Root rot (if overwatered)

Other:

• Yellowing leaves: Often due to nutrient deficiency or overwatering.
• Stunted growth: Can be caused by poor soil quality or insufficient sunlight.
• Failure to flower: May result from inadequate sunlight or excessive fertilization.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

Tarweed Fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides) is generally not considered a rare plant within its native range of California and southwestern Oregon. It is a relatively common wildflower that can be found in a variety of open habitats. However, local populations may be threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and invasive species. In some areas, conservation efforts may be necessary to protect and restore native populations.

Value:

As a common wildflower, Tarweed Fiddleneck is not typically sold as an ornamental plant, and thus does not have a significant commercial value. Its primary value lies in its ecological role as a component of native plant communities and as a food source for pollinators. It may be valued by native plant enthusiasts and conservationists for its contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Seeds of Tarweed Fiddleneck may be included in wildflower seed mixes for habitat restoration projects. The value is primarily intrinsic rather than monetary.