PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates low light in disturbed urban areas
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water only when the top 2 cm of soil is completely dry to avoid root rot
Temperature
Hardy to light frost; thrives in temperate to warm conditions, avoids extreme heat above 38°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, ovate to lanceolate, serrated margins, light green, 2–7 cm long
- Flower: Small composite heads with white ray florets and yellow disc florets, 5–8 mm diameter
- Stem: Slender, hairy, branching freely from the base
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
No regular fertilization required; tolerates low-nutrient soils. Optional diluted organic feed can support faster growth in poor soils
Banana peel compost tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support flowering and foliage growthPruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to reduce self-seeding and prevent unwanted spread in garden beds
- Trim overgrown stems to maintain a compact, tidy growth habit
- Remove entire plants if controlling spread in managed garden areas
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: Non-toxic; young leaves and stems are edible raw or cooked
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible young leaves and stems used in salads or cooked as greens; traditional medicinal use for minor skin inflammation
