Summary
Amsinckia micrantha, also known as small-flowered fiddleneck or smallflower fiddleneck, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family. It is native to western North America, where it is found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, grassland, and rocky areas.
Amsinckia micrantha is a herbaceous perennial plant, with a prostrate or decumbent growth habit. It has hairy, branching stems and small, bright yellow, tubular flowers that bloom from spring to early summer. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and are arranged alternately on the stem.
This plant is known to be toxic to animals, it has been shown to cause photodermatitis, an inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to sunlight, in grazing animals. The plant's sap contains furocoumarins, which are photosensitizing compounds that can cause irritation and blistering of the skin if touched and then exposed to sunlight.
It is not widely cultivated and it is considered a noxious weed in some areas, as it can quickly spread and outcompete native vegetation, specially if it is not controlled.
Amsinckia micrantha has been found to contain a variety of compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and furocoumarins, that have been studied for their potential medicinal properties. Some studies have suggested that extracts from the plant may have antimicrobial and anticancer properties, but further research is needed to confirm these effects.
Blog
Common Fiddleneck, or Amsinckia micrantha, is a species of wildflower native to California and other parts of the western United States. It is a member of the Boraginaceae family, which also includes other well-known plants like forget-me-nots and borage. The plant is often called Fiddleneck because its coiled inflorescence resembles the scroll of a fiddle.
Appearance and Habitat
Common Fiddleneck is an annual plant that can grow up to three feet tall. It has a branching stem covered in coarse, rough hairs, and its leaves are lance-shaped, gray-green, and covered with tiny, stiff hairs. The inflorescence of the plant is a dense coil of bright yellow flowers, each about a quarter inch wide.
Common Fiddleneck is most commonly found in disturbed areas, such as along roadsides, in vacant lots, and in fields that have been recently cleared or tilled. It is known to thrive in sandy and rocky soils, and is often found growing in association with other annual wildflowers.
Ecological Significance
Common Fiddleneck is an important part of the ecology of the areas where it grows. It is a host plant for the caterpillars of the painted lady butterfly, which are one of the most common butterflies in California. The plant also produces nectar that is attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees, flies, and butterflies.
The plant has some cultural significance as well. It was used by Native American tribes as a medicinal plant, and some traditional uses of the plant include treating coughs, fevers, and skin irritations.
Potential Risks
While Common Fiddleneck has some ecological and cultural significance, it is important to note that it can also pose a risk to livestock that graze on it. The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to animals when consumed in large quantities. The alkaloids can cause liver damage and even death in some cases.
To mitigate this risk, it is important for livestock owners to monitor their animals' grazing habits and to take steps to control the presence of Common Fiddleneck in their pastures.
Some Interesting Facts about Common Fiddleneck
Here are a few more interesting facts about Common Fiddleneck:
-
Common Fiddleneck is an annual plant, which means that it completes its entire life cycle, from seed to flower to seed, in one growing season.
-
The coiled inflorescence of Common Fiddleneck is not only unique and attractive, but it also serves an important function in protecting the plant's flowers from being eaten by grazing animals.
-
The plant's seeds are edible and were traditionally used by Native American tribes as a food source. The seeds can be roasted and ground into flour, or added to soups and stews.
-
In addition to its medicinal uses, Common Fiddleneck has also been used as a dye plant. The yellow flowers can be used to dye natural fibers like wool and cotton.
-
Common Fiddleneck is not only found in the western United States but can also be found in parts of Mexico and South America.
Overall, Common Fiddleneck is a fascinating plant with a rich history and ecological significance. Its unique appearance and cultural uses make it a valuable part of the landscape, and it is important to continue to learn about and appreciate this plant for all that it contributes to the world around us.
Blog continued...
Common Fiddleneck is a plant species that is native to California and other parts of the western United States. The plant belongs to the Boraginaceae family, which also includes other plants like borage and forget-me-nots. The plant is commonly called Fiddleneck due to the resemblance of its inflorescence to the scroll of a fiddle.
Common Fiddleneck is an annual plant that can grow up to three feet tall. It has a branching stem that is covered in coarse, rough hairs. The leaves are gray-green and lance-shaped, and they are covered in tiny, stiff hairs. The inflorescence of the plant is a dense coil of bright yellow flowers, each about a quarter inch wide.
The plant is typically found in disturbed areas such as along roadsides, vacant lots, and fields that have been recently cleared or tilled. It thrives in sandy and rocky soils and is often found growing in association with other annual wildflowers.
Common Fiddleneck is an important part of the ecology of the areas where it grows. It serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of the painted lady butterfly, which is one of the most common butterflies in California. The plant produces nectar that is attractive to pollinators such as bees, flies, and butterflies.
The plant has cultural significance as well. It was used by Native American tribes as a medicinal plant to treat coughs, fevers, and skin irritations.
It is important to note that Common Fiddleneck can pose a risk to livestock that graze on it. The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to animals when consumed in large quantities. The alkaloids can cause liver damage and even death in some cases.
Despite the risks that the plant poses to livestock, Common Fiddleneck remains an important and fascinating plant species with unique features and ecological significance. Its beauty and cultural uses make it a valuable part of the western landscape.
Common Fiddleneck is not only a fascinating and unique plant, but it also has practical uses. The seeds of the plant are edible and were traditionally used by Native American tribes as a food source. The seeds can be roasted and ground into flour, or added to soups and stews.
In addition to its use as a food source, Common Fiddleneck has been used as a dye plant. The yellow flowers can be used to dye natural fibers like wool and cotton.
While Common Fiddleneck is a valuable and interesting plant species, it is important to manage its presence in pastures to protect livestock from potential harm. Livestock owners should monitor their animals' grazing habits and take steps to control the presence of Common Fiddleneck in their pastures.
Overall, Common Fiddleneck is an important and unique plant species with a rich history and cultural significance. Its ecological and practical uses make it a valuable part of the western landscape. By learning more about this plant, we can appreciate its contributions to the world around us and work to protect and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
Video
Common Fiddleneck filmed in Sizewell, Suffolk on the 1st July 2022.
Please remember to Like and Subscribe to the WildFlowerWeb YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@wildflower-web
Wild Flower Web