Annual Psathyrotes (Psathyrotes annua)

Annual Psathyrotes

Psathyrotes annua

Drought-tolerant desert annual with delicate fern-like foliage. Low-growing arid ornamental; common name: annual psathyrotes.

Full sun
0–1/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Requires full unobstructed sun; tolerates intense desert sunlight without scorching
💧
Watering Extremely drought-tolerant; water only when soil is completely dry to avoid root rot
🌡️
Temperature Thrives in warm to hot arid temperatures; tolerates light frost down to 5°C for short periods
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Finely divided, silvery-green fern-like foliage covered in tiny pubescent hairs to reduce water loss
  • Flower: Small yellow composite flower heads clustered at slender stem tips
  • Stem: Gray-green branching stems with sparse soft hairs for drought adaptation
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Water sparingly every 7–10 days if no natural rainfall

Fertilization

No regular fertilization needed. Fertilization may promote leggy growth and reduce drought tolerance

Crushed eggshell powder:Sprinkle a thin layer on soil surface once every 3 months to improve drainage and add minor calcium supplements; no dilution required
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower heads optionally to encourage extended blooming through early summer
  • Clear dead foliage after the plant dies back in late summer to prepare for next growing season
  • Avoid heavy pruning as the plant maintains a naturally compact low-growing form
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental ground cover for xeriscaping; erosion control in arid sloped gardens