PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of poor, dry soils and hot summer conditions
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; drought tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates hot summer temperatures up to 35°C with adequate drainage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of oblong-lanceolate leaves with wavy margins; upper stem leaves are smaller and clasping
- Flower: Tiny greenish-white flowers arranged in dense, branched terminal clusters
- Stem: Erect, smooth reddish-green stems that branch near the top
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly during active growth to maintain slightly moist soil; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Light, diluted balanced feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it may reduce drought tolerance and increase oxalate content
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried, cleaned eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant around the base and water in lightly to avoid pest attractionPruning
- Remove spent flower stalks to prevent unwanted self-seeding
- Trim yellowing basal leaves to maintain a tidy rosette appearance
- Cut back the entire plant to ground level in late autumn to encourage fresh spring growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to soluble oxalates; may cause oral irritation and digestive distress
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to soluble oxalate crystals
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Wildflower garden groundcover; young leaves are edible in small quantities after boiling to reduce oxalate levels
