Yellow Oxeye (Buphthalmum salicifolium)

Yellow Oxeye

Buphthalmum salicifolium

Bright yellow daisy-like blooms glow in summer meadows, a cheerful wildflower accent. Perennial herbaceous plant; common name: Yellow Oxeye.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, sunny meadow conditions and light afternoon shade in hot climates
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Watering Water deeply when soil is fully dry; drought-tolerant once established, with minimal need for supplemental watering
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; withstands hot summer temperatures up to 30°C with adequate drainage to prevent root rot
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, lance-shaped leaves with slightly serrated margins, gray-green and fuzzy texture
  • Flower: Daisy-like composite blooms with bright yellow ray florets surrounding a yellow central disc
  • Stem: Erect, hairy stems branching near the top to support flower heads
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Care Guide

Watering

Water regularly during active growth to establish young plants; reduce watering once fully established

Fertilization

Light, low-nitrogen feed once in early spring to promote flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add calcium without burning delicate roots
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage prolonged flowering throughout summer
  • Cut back stems to ground level in late autumn after foliage dies back to tidy the planting area
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental wildflower for meadows, rock gardens, and cottage garden borders; attracts pollinators including bees and butterflies