PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial to full shade; tolerates dappled woodland sunlight, avoid intense midday sun
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing roots to sit in standing water
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; prefers cool to temperate temperatures, avoid prolonged heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of lanceolate, deeply lobed leaves; stem leaves smaller, alternate
- Flower: Dense terminal spikes of tubular yellow flowers, 1–2 cm long, with two-lipped corollas
- Stem: Erect, hairy green stems branching near the base
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water when top 2 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Apply diluted organic feed once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over flowering
Composted leaf mold tea：Dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; use only fully decomposed leaf mold to avoid introducing pathogensPruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage self-seeding and tidy growth
- Trim back yellowing basal leaves in late summer to maintain plant health
- Divide clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to prevent overcrowding
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Native pollinator support; historical traditional medicinal use (not clinically verified)
