SafePlants

Amsinckia vernicosa: Green Fiddleneck

Amsinckia vernicosa, commonly known as green fiddleneck, is a flowering plant species belonging to the genus Amsinckia, which itself is commonly known as fiddlenecks.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that plants from the genus Amsinckia are poisonous to horses and other animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Amsinckia vernicosa
• Common Name: Green Fiddleneck
• Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Varieties:
  • Amsinckia vernicosa var. vernicosa
  • Amsinckia vernicosa var. furcata (forked green fiddleneck)
• Synonyms:
  • Amsinckia grandiflora (Eastwood's Fiddleneck, Large-flowered Fiddleneck, Largeflowered Fiddleneck, Eastwood’s Fiddleneck)

Distribution and Habitat

• Amsinckia vernicosa is endemic to California.
• It is found in the south Coast Ranges of California and the Mojave Desert.
• It grows at heights of up to 1500 meters.
• It is apparently only found on gypsum-derived soils.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Amsinckia vernicosa is described as a forb/herb, which means it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• It is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year.
• The plant thrives if it is exposed to direct sunlight.

Ecological Role

• Some varieties, like *Phacelia tanacetifolia*, also known as scorpion weed, can be used as a green manure crop to enrich the soil.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions using a mixture of field pea and fiddleneck to achieve high green fodder and dry matter yield.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Amsinckia vernicosa.
• Dave's Garden is a community where gardeners share tips and ideas.
• The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Phacelia tanacetifolia.