Sulphur cinquefoil
cota tinctoria
Also known as: ["Weld","Dyer's weed","Yellow cota"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant known for its bright yellow flowers and historical use as a dye plant.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Cota |
| Botanical Name: | Cota tinctoria |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, meadows, or sunny borders
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; poor drainage can lead to root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils but benefits from added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; deadheading should be done as flowers fade; major shaping in early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds in heavy soils; avoid overwatering in clay soils; test soil pH annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler nights down to 50°F (10°C).
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in warm conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when flowering slows; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a leaf node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm until roots form.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not in full bloom.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with indirect light; protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss) or a sandy loam medium.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; plants may be ready to transplant in 8–12 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; provide gentle bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; make cuts just above a leaf node or bud; remove spent flowers by snapping or cutting the stem below the flower head.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts; deadheading spent flowers promotes continuous blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools before use; prune dead or damaged stems; remove spent flowers; shape the plant as desired; clean up debris afterward.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme temperatures.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (e.g., 2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in a shaded area for a few days to recover.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or death if prolonged below 40°F (4°C).
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; use frost cloth for in-ground plants; ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to water stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade if possible; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type and dilution; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCota tinctoria is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCota tinctoria is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCota tinctoria, commonly known as golden marguerite, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cota tinctoria toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What is the common use of Cota tinctoria?
A: It has been historically used as a dye plant due to its yellow flowers.
Q: How easy is it to care for Cota tinctoria?
A: It is easy to care for, requiring low maintenance and moderate toughness.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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