Pellitory-of-the-wall

anacyclus clavatus

Also known as: ["Fairy's Lace","White Pellitory"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Anacyclus Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing perennial herb with daisy-like flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Anacyclus
Botanical Name: Anacyclus clavatus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or gritty soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to remove dead stems.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, direct sunlight for 6–8 hours daily. Adjust to avoid scorching in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak summer heat; place in a south-facing window indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains in summer; avoid shaded spots.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering, especially in dormant periods.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; use a mix for succulents/cacti.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–80°F / 18–27°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warmth.

Protect from frost; avoid drafts; maintain consistent warmth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus for a few days.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots may form in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; keep cuttings humid; avoid overwatering.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Trim back leggy stems and remove any dead or damaged parts.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead growth; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too big to avoid water retention.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out crowded roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot.

Checklist

Check root bound status; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; handle roots gently.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturating the soil. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf drop in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause root damage, and increases susceptibility to disease in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; reduce watering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, growth may slow, and water demand increases.

Solution: Provide partial shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but carefully.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Anacyclus clavatus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Anacyclus clavatus can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Anacyclus clavatus may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Anacyclus clavatus due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause acute liver damage and other systemic effects. Even small amounts can be harmful.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy jaundice liver failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Immediate veterinary care is essential if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Toxic

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Anacyclus clavatus are particularly harmful to dogs, leading to severe liver toxicity and potential failure. Chronic exposure is especially dangerous.

⚠️ Symptoms:
lethargy vomiting jaundice weight loss liver failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Anacyclus clavatus contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage upon chronic ingestion. The toxic effects are cumulative and may not manifest immediately.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain liver damage
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Keep away from food preparation areas and ensure pets cannot access the plant.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Anacyclus clavatus suitable for rock gardens?

A: Yes, it thrives in well-drained, rocky soils typical of rock gardens.

Q: Does Pellitory-of-the-wall attract pollinators?

A: Yes, its flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Q: How often should I water Anacyclus clavatus?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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