Species Woodland Tarweed
yellow flower with yellow filaments, black anthers and brown stem

Woodland Tarweed

Anisocarpus madioides

Woodland Tarweed is a perennial plant endemic to California. Its stems and leaves are coated in a sticky resin and its yellow flowers blossom in late summer and early fall. When crushed, the foliage and flower heads create a strong tar-like scent. Woodland tarweed has many adaptations to thrive in dry conditions, such as waxy leaves to help the plant retain moisture and conserve energy. It generally grows in dense stands in open, sunny areas and can form large mats. Due to its hardiness, Woodland Tarweed is a popular choice for gardens, xeriscapes, and other landscapes.

Watering:

Average

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Purple|White/Cream Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Soil:

Clay, Sand, Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Woodland Angelica should be watered once a week, providing as much water as necessary to keep the soil consistently moist. Water should be applied to the soil, rather than directly to the leaves, to prevent fungal problems. Water should be adequate to moisten the entire root zone, which is generally 6-8 inches deep for this species.

sunlight

Woodland Angelica (Angelica sylvestris) requires 6-7 hours of direct sunlight a day. For optimal growth, it should be placed in a spot with full sun in the morning, and partial shade in the afternoon. This will help protect the plant from the intense heat of the summer months, and help keep it from drying out and wilting. When the sun is at its strongest, the plant will benefit from having indirect light or some kind of protection from direct sun.

pruning

Remove the spent flowers as they die back will also help create a more unified appearance. To do this, simply pinch the stem of the spent bloom at its base where it meets the rest of the stem. For larger clumps of Woodland Angelica, selective pruning is recommended. This involves selectively removing the taller, thicker stems to let more light reach the interior of the plant. Additionally, cutting back the entire clump to 1-third of its size during the growing season will also help to produce a healthier, bushier habit. This will also encourage new growth and an extended blooming period. Proper pruning of Woodland Angelica can help keep it looking beautiful and healthy all year round.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Harvest Fruit

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.