Few-flowered Oxtongue (Picris pauciflora)

Few-flowered Oxtongue

Picris pauciflora

It bears delicate yellow blooms atop slender stems, a quiet meadow beauty. Annual or biennial herb; common name: Few-flowered Oxtongue.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open meadow or garden settings
💧
Watering Water when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; tolerates short periods of drought
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to mild frosts; prefers temperate to warm Mediterranean climates
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal rosette of lanceolate leaves with toothed margins; stem leaves are smaller, clasping
  • Flower: Bright yellow composite flower heads, 1–2 cm in diameter, borne singly or in loose clusters
  • Stem: Slender, hairy green stems with sparse branching
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth

Fertilization

Light feed once monthly. Use diluted, balanced organic feed to support bloom production

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels and deter blossom end rot
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering
  • Trim back yellowing basal leaves to maintain plant appearance
  • Remove faded stems after flowering to support self-seeding or prepare for dormancy
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental wildflower for meadow gardens; attracts pollinators like bees