Bristly Fiddleneck
Amsinckia tesselatafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 10E2 — Amsinckia tesselata
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IOverview
Overview
Bristly Fiddleneck (Amsinckia tesselata) is an annual plant native to regions including Arizona, California, Idaho, and various areas in Mexico and South America. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, it thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions. The soil type can range from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), making it adaptable but preferring medium soils. Standing at about 0.6 meters tall, this plant is recognized by its distinctive bristly leaves and seed pods, which give it its common name. Its edible parts include the leaves and seeds, adding a unique flavor to culinary dishes.
Quick answers
What is Bristly Fiddleneck?
Bristly Fiddleneck (Amsinckia tesselata) is an annual plant native to regions including Arizona, California, Idaho, and various areas in Mexico and South America. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, it thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bristly Fiddleneck thrives in full sun and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. It prefers well-drained soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. The plant is hardy in temperate regions but may vary based on its native range. For cultivation, sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost. Harvest leaves and seeds for edible use. This annual plant requires little maintenance once established.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bristly Fiddleneck for the first time
8steps
Start with Bristly Fiddleneck as an easy-to-grow annual, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Prepare loose, well-draining soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the young roots. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Pinch back stems for bushier growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to pinch back stems.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The bristly fiddleneck is edible and its leaves and seeds can be consumed. The leaves are often eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. Seeds can also be prepared by roasting or drying before consumption. Skip the preparation details for brevity.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 14 native
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arizona, California, Chile Central, Idaho, Mexico Northwest, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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