PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, sunny locations with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Water deeply when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; tolerate short periods of drought once established
Temperature
Prefers cool to temperate temperatures; tolerates light frosts down to 5°C; avoid extreme heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Alternate, lanceolate to oblong leaves with toothed margins; covered in fine hairs
- Flower: Daisy-like composite flower heads, 3–6 cm wide; bright golden-yellow ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets
- Stem: Erect, branching, slightly hairy green stems
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly during dry spells to support flowering
Fertilization
Light feed with balanced fertilizer at planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over flowering
Composted banana peel tea：Steep 2–3 fully composted banana peels in 1L of water for 3 days; dilute 1:10 for root drench to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage prolonged flowering
- Trim back leggy stems mid-season to maintain compact growth
- Remove dead foliage after the plant dies back in autumn to reduce pest habitat
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA does not list this species as toxic to cats
Humans: Mild gastrointestinal irritation if large quantities are ingested; contact may cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wildflower; traditional medicinal use for minor skin irritations
