Dittrichia viscosa, commonly known as sticky fleabane or woody fleabane, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, it has spread to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and has a woody stem with sticky leaves covered in glandular hairs.
Dittrichia viscosa produces small yellow flowers with five petals arranged in a daisy-like shape, which bloom from July through October. These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
For centuries, this plant has been used for medicinal purposes due to its anti-inflammatory properties, traditionally serving as a remedy for respiratory issues such as coughs and bronchitis.
Known for its drought tolerance, Dittrichia viscosa is an ideal choice for xeriscaping gardens or landscapes with limited water availability.
However, it can be considered an invasive species due to its rapid spread through self-seeding or vegetative propagation. Therefore, it should be monitored carefully when planted outside its native range.
Overall, Dittrichia viscosa is an interesting plant, offering both medicinal benefits and an attractive appearance in gardens or landscapes where water is scarce.
False yellowhead has strong resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. Still, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections are usually mild. Regarding care, this plant needs moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage flowering. False yellowhead is a good choice for anyone with outdoor space, like a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive care experience. It may need more attention when kept indoors.
How to keep Dittrichia Viscosa.
Light
False yellowhead performs best with ample light throughout the day. In its natural environment it grows in the sunniest locations. Insufficient light can hinder its growth, while too much can cause dryness. The plant’s sunlight requirements remain the same at all stages of growth.
Water
False yellowhead is native to the Mediterranean region and thrives in dry climates due to its remarkable drought tolerance. When cultivated, it needs weekly watering and grows best in well-draining soil. This hardy outdoor plant is also resistant to salt spray, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens where fresh water is scarce.
Temperature
False yellowhead occurs naturally in habitats where temperatures are usually between 68 and 100 °F (20 to 38 °C). It prefers temperate climates and shows considerable adaptability to seasonal variations. Care should be taken to keep temperatures within its preferred range.
Fertilizer
Proper fertilization is essential for False yellowhead's health and looks. Fertilize False yellowhead in summer, repeating the application monthly throughout the season. Nutrients provide the energy for growth and help maintain the plant's structures. Fertilization improves False yellowhead's floral display, promoting the best blooms.
Pruning
The False Yellowhead plant boasts bright yellow flowers and a bushy growth habit. To keep it healthy, regular pruning is important. Essential pruning techniques include removing dead stems and thinning out branches to improve air circulation. Pruning should be done from early to late spring to encourage healthier growth. Making clean cuts during pruning also enhances the plant's overall vigor and appearance.
Toxicity
Dittrichia viscosa can cause health problems in humans and animals. The oil on the leaves and stems causes contact dermatitis, resulting in itching and blistering skin.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb, Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Dittrichia
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 0.4 m to 1.22 m
- Mature Spread
- 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 2.29 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my False yellowhead plant?
To properly water the False yellowhead, it is recommended to use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water may have harmful particles, so using filtered water is preferable. The water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer since the False yellowhead is accustomed to a warm environment and can be sensitive to cold water. It is also advised to avoid overhead watering to prevent foliage complications. Instead, apply filtered room temperature water directly to the soil until it is completely soaked. This helps moisten the roots and allows them to spread through the soil and absorb the necessary nutrients.
Why do I need to add fertilizer to my False yellowhead plant?
All plants, including the False yellowhead, need soil nutrients to grow. However, it's not always guaranteed that the soil in your garden will have all the necessary nutrients. To make sure your plants have what they need, fertilization and soil amendments are important. This ensures that your garden plants not only receive the basic nutrients but also the specific ones they require. For the False yellowhead, fertilizer is vital to support healthy root and stem development throughout the growing season. Additionally, fertilization helps the False yellowhead produce beautiful leaves, which are especially important for this plant's ornamental appeal.
What are the sunlight requirements for False Yellowhead?
False Yellowhead requires full sun, meaning it should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily. Observing how sunlight moves through your garden allows you to choose spots that offer a balance of light and shade, ensuring the plants' happiness. False Yellowhead thrives with abundant light throughout the day, but too little or too much light can stunt growth or cause dryness. The plant's sunlight needs remain consistent through different growth stages.
What is the native environment of False yellowhead?
False yellowhead, botanically known as Dittrichia viscosa, thrives in environments where temperatures range from 68°F to 100°F (20°C to 38°C). It is best suited to temperate climates and exhibits a strong adaptability to seasonal changes. The plant is extremely heat-loving, sensitive to cold temperatures, and requires specific care to flourish, especially regarding maintaining the appropriate temperature range.
What should I do if I give my False yellowhead too much or too little water?
Overwatering is a common issue for False yellowhead plants and can cause wilting, yellowing leaves, and diseases like root rot. Underwatering is less common but can lead to brittle, brown leaves. It is important to identify signs of overwatering early and reduce watering immediately. If the soil doesn't drain well, replace it with a well-draining potting mix. If there are signs of underwatering, simply water more regularly until the signs disappear.
When should I fertilize my False yellowhead plant?
To help your False yellowhead thrive, give it the most fertilizer when it's actively growing, which is usually during spring, summer, and early fall. Once winter is over, feed it every two to four weeks until fall. As fall approaches, gradually decrease the amount of fertilizer given until you stop completely in preparation for the slower growth during winter.
How can artificial lighting benefit False Yellowhead indoors?
Indoor plants, including False Yellowhead, require adequate lighting for optimal growth, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient, like during winter or in less sunny spaces. Artificial lights, such as LEDs which can be customized to specific wavelengths, provide a vital solution. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft is recommended, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants require 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight for 8-12 hours per day.
How should False yellowhead be cared for in autumn and winter?
As autumn approaches and temperatures begin to drop, it is advisable to bring outdoor-grown False yellowhead indoors to protect it from the cold. Placing it near a bright window ensures it receives sufficient light; however, it should not be placed too close to heaters to avoid damage. Maintaining indoor temperatures above 20°C during the winter months is pivotal for the health of the plant. Exposing it to temperatures near or below 0°C can be detrimental and should be avoided.
How frequently do I need to water my False yellowhead?
If your False yellowhead plant is in a pot, you can check if it needs water by putting your finger in the soil. If the top two to three inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water it. If you have your False yellowhead planted outside in the ground, you can use the same method. When the top few inches of soil are dry, it needs watering. In the spring and early fall, you'll usually need to water it once a week using this method. In extremely hot weather, you might need to water it twice or more per week. However, mature and well-established False yellowhead plants have the ability to tolerate drought.
When should I not add fertilizer to my False yellowhead plant?
For most of the year, including spring, summer, and fall, it is recommended to regularly feed your False yellowhead. However, if you notice that it has received too much fertilizer or if you have fertilized it incorrectly, causing fertilizer burn or other issues, you will need to address these before resuming a regular feeding schedule. The only exception to fertilizing your False yellowhead is during winter. If you grow it indoors in a cold winter area, it will enter a dormant phase. Feeding the plant during this phase is not necessary or beneficial for its growth, and it is likely to result in fertilizer burn.
What are common symptoms of light deficiency in False Yellowhead?
Symptoms of light deficiency in False Yellowhead include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or halted new growth, and lighter-colored or yellowing leaves (chlorosis). Excessive sunlight can cause sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These symptoms indicate the plant's struggle with inadequate light conditions, affecting its growth and overall health.
What are the symptoms of low temperature exposure in False yellowhead?
When exposed to temperatures below its preference, False yellowhead may exhibit several symptoms indicative of distress. These include lightening of leaf color when temperatures fall below -5°C, which after frost damage can progress to browning or blackening of the leaves. Wilting and drooping are also common symptoms. To mitigate such damage, it is recommended to trim off frost-damaged parts and move the plant to a warmer, ideally sunlit indoor location, while avoiding placing the plant too close to heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent the air from becoming excessively dry.
