Nyjer
Nyjer
Nyjer is also known as 'thistle'. This is a mis-nomer, because this seed comes from a daisy plant,
Guizotia abyssinica, native to Ethiopia, not a thistle. Nyjer seed is heat-treated to prevent germination
of this otherwise freely re-seeding plant. This seed will not sprout.
California farmers grow Guizotia abyssinica for the U. S. birdseed industry. Some is inported form India.
Due to its small size and special processing, nyjer is more expensive than other seed.
To conserve seed and reduce waste, feeding nyjer in a tube thistle feeder fitted with
metal feeding ports is suggested. A heavy feeder will not swing as much in the wind and this will keep the tiny
seed from falling out.
Guizotia abyssinica (flower & seed)