PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun; thrives in hot, dry conditions; tolerates light shade in peak summer heat
Watering
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
Temperature
Hardy to 5°C; avoids frost damage; prefers warm Mediterranean-style temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Silvery-gray, deeply lobed, covered in soft villous hairs to reduce water loss
- Flower: Bright yellow, flat-topped umbel inflorescences with tiny individual blooms
- Stem: Erect, hairy, branching near the top to support flower clusters
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply once per week during active growth periods
Fertilization
Diluted low-nitrogen liquid feed once monthly. Use fertilizer sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush fully dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without adding excess nitrogenPruning
- Deadhead spent flower heads to encourage extended blooming through early summer
- Cut back dead foliage to ground level in late autumn to reduce pest harborage
- Thin overcrowded stems in early spring to improve airflow and light penetration
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy
Humans: Contains thapsigargin; ingestion causes gastrointestinal distress, skin irritation on contact; large doses may lead to organ damage
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; historical traditional medicinal use (not recommended due to toxicity)
