PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates open meadow light conditions; avoid intense midday sun in hot southern regions
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil dries; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Extremely cold-hardy; withstands subzero winter temperatures; prefers cool summer growing conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Whorls of 4–6 narrow, linear, bright green leaves with rough, sandpapery margins
- Flower: Tiny white, star-shaped blooms in dense terminal clusters
- Stem: Slender, square, slightly hairy stems that support upright growth
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Light, diluted balanced feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy, weak stems that may flop under bloom weight
Eggshell powder topdress：Grind dried eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add calcium without risk of burning rootsPruning
- Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage extended blooming
- Cut back stems to ground level in late autumn after foliage dies back
- Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and reduce competition
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Wildflower garden ground cover; historically used as mattress stuffing for its soft foliage
