PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, sunny disturbed areas and tolerates light shade in hot climates
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water only when the top 5–7 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Tolerates warm to hot summer temperatures; sensitive to frost, with minimum safe growing temperature around 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oblong to lanceolate, covered in dense white woolly hairs, silvery-green foliage
- Flower: Small, greenish-yellow clustered spikes; male and female flowers on separate inflorescences
- Stem: Erect, branching, densely woolly-haired
Care Guide
Watering
Water occasionally during prolonged dry spells to support flowering
Fertilization
No regular fertilization needed; tolerates low-nutrient soils. Over-fertilization can reduce drought tolerance and promote leggy growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add calcium without over-fertilizing; avoid direct contact with foliagePruning
- Remove spent flower spikes to prevent unwanted self-seeding if desired
- Thin overcrowded plants to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Cut back dead foliage in late fall to tidy the planting area
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA does not list this species specifically, but ingestion may cause mild oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset
Humans: Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation, including nausea and vomiting; contact may cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Used in native wildflower gardens; provides nectar for small pollinators like bees and butterflies
