Amsinckia spp. (Fiddleneck)

Photographs

My photos:

This plant was growing at Joshua Tree in March.

Helicoid cyme close-ups from Saddleback College campus, April 2006:

More photos:

Tongva site shows a nice photo of plant with flower.

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Boraginaceae

In the garden:

Not recommended.

In the wild:

An annual found in seeps, stream banks, other wet, shady places, open grassy fields. Blooms March through May. Fiddleneck's common name is for the helicoid cyme - that is, the way the flowers grow along a stem that looks like a coiled shepherd's crook. This form of flower is typical of plants in Boraginaceae. It's seeds are in the form of four nutlets, which is also typical of the Borage family.

Ethnobotany:

Fiddleneck leaves are gathered in early spring since by summer the leaves’ hairy bristles harden into stickers, making them inedible. The fresh leaves are cooked and eaten, along with the seeds, which may be roasted. The leaves are used to make a tonic.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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