PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, open grassland or roadside conditions
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water deeply only when top 15–20 cm of soil is completely dry
Temperature
Cold hardy to USDA zone 3; tolerates extreme winter cold and summer heat fluctuations
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, lanceolate to ovate, glossy green with smooth margins; emit mild scent when crushed
- Flower: Dense terminal clusters of small, fragrant white to pale pink star-shaped blooms
- Stem: Erect, branching, with milky latex sap released when stems or leaves are broken
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during prolonged dry spells
Fertilization
Diluted balanced organic feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Eggshell powder topdress：Sprinkle finely crushed, dried eggshells around the base of plants to boost soil calcium levels; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent rotPruning
- Cut back dead above-ground foliage to 5 cm in late autumn to reduce overwintering disease risk
- Thin overcrowded stems in early spring to improve airflow and light penetration
- Remove spent flower clusters after blooming to redirect energy to root development
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias, and weakness
Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides; ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and irregular heart rhythm
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Historically used by Indigenous peoples for cordage and medicinal extracts; modern ornamental wildflower
