PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun; tolerates dry, nutrient-poor soil conditions
Watering
Water deeply when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates hot, dry summer temperatures without supplemental water
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal leaves are spatulate, stem leaves are linear and alternate, covered in fine, stiff hairs
- Flower: Tiny white ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets, clustered in dense terminal panicles
- Stem: Erect, branched upper stem, covered in short, rigid hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during germination; reduce watering once seedlings are established
Fertilization
No regular fertilization required. None
Eggshell powder topdress：Sprinkle 1–2 tsp of crushed, dried eggshells around the base of young plants to boost soil calcium; avoid overapplication to prevent soil alkalinity buildupPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to prevent excessive self-seeding if natural spread is unwanted
- Thin overcrowded seedlings to improve airflow and reduce competition for resources
- Cut back entire plant to ground level after flowering for clean garden maintenance
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Historically used as a medicinal herb for respiratory ailments; currently used as a wildflower for pollinator support
