Skunk Weed
Navarretia squarrosa
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Pl. BD50 — Navarretia squarrosa
Navarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosaNavarretia squarrosa
IOverview
Overview
Skunk Weed, scientifically known as Navarretia squarrosa, is an annual forb or herb native to regions in western North America including British Columbia, California, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This plant thrives in a variety of habitats where it can be found growing in light to partial shade with preferences for dry to moist conditions. It adapts well to soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Skunk Weed is known for its edible parts, specifically the seeds, which make it useful for culinary purposes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 0.3 meters in height, making it a notable addition to gardens and landscapes where space is not a limiting factor.
Quick answers
What is Skunk Weed?
Skunk Weed, scientifically known as Navarretia squarrosa, is an annual forb or herb native to regions in western North America including British Columbia, California, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Skunk Weed thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will grow better with moist conditions. This annual plant is hardy in zones 6-9 and reaches a height of about 0.3 meters. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden bed where they are to grow. Given its native range across North America, Skunk Weed can adapt well to various climates within temperate regions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Skunk Weed for the first time
8steps
Start with Skunk Weed as an easy-to-grow annual herb for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or a garden bed, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose a pot with drainage holes and fill with potting mix.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep moist until germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist during germination, which takes about 7-10 days. Once seedlings emerge, reduce watering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Provide full sun to partial shade and regular light fertilization.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune after flowering.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The seeds of Skunk Weed (Navarretia squarrosa) are edible and can be harvested for consumption. Typically, they are dried before being ground into a powder or used whole in various culinary applications. However, specific preparation methods are not commonly documented.
Other uses:Dynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 1 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 6 native· 1 introduced
Broader regions
native:Montana, British Columbia, California, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania
introduced:Tasmania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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