False Sow-thistle (Hedypnois rhagadioloides)

False Sow-thistle

Hedypnois rhagadioloides

Dainty yellow blooms brighten dry meadows, a hardy wildflower. Annual herbaceous plant.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates intense direct sun in dry Mediterranean climates
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Watering Drought-tolerant; water only when top 5 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering
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Temperature Tolerates mild frost (down to 5°C) and high heat; thrives in temperate to Mediterranean temperature ranges
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal rosette of lobed, hairy leaves; stem leaves are smaller, clasping
  • Flower: Daisy-like yellow composite blooms, 2–3 cm in diameter
  • Stem: Slender, green, slightly hairy stems with branching near the top
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Care Guide

Watering

Water sparingly during active growth; let soil dry fully between waterings

Fertilization

No regular fertilization needed; tolerates nutrient-poor soil. Over-fertilizing can reduce flowering and promote leggy growth

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to improve soil structure and add calcium for healthy root development
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering (optional for wild garden settings)
  • Remove dead foliage after the plant dies back in late summer to reduce pest habitat
  • Thin overcrowded seedlings in early spring to improve airflow and growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Wildflower garden plant; provides nectar for bees and pollinators