Scentless Mayweed
tripleurospermum inodorum
Also known as: ["Mayweed","Scentless Chamomile"]
Overview
A widespread annual or biennial plant in the daisy family, known for its daisy-like flowers and lack of fragrance.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Tripleurospermum |
| Botanical Name: | Tripleurospermum inodorum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in open, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with moderate fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers regularly during blooming season; prune lightly in late fall or early spring if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; primarily deadheading with occasional shaping.
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 to intense sunlight if moved from shade; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; use mulch to retain moisture; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler nights and mild frosts.
Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering in heat/cold; protect from sudden temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; seeds are the most common and reliable method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Sow seeds or take cuttings.
- Maintain moisture and warmth.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light; protect from drafts.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Not typically necessary for seeds; rooting hormone can aid stem cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks; stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks and establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, rooting hormone (optional), misting spray bottle, grow lights (optional).
Quick Tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster germination; thin seedlings as needed.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node or lateral bud; trim back leggy growth to promote bushiness.
Pruning Plan
Focus on removing spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintaining a tidy appearance.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors, or sharp snips; clean tools between cuts to prevent disease spread.
Checklist
Remove dead or faded flowers; trim only as needed; clean tools after use; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; generally not necessary for annuals like this species.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
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 and weather.
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 to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
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 may cause leaf damage or dieback in severe frost.
Solution: Provide frost protection with row covers or mulch; plant in sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower drop, and reduced vigor due to water stress.
Solution: Water deeply during heatwaves; provide afternoon shade if possible; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they consume significant amounts of Tripleurospermum inodorum. The presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids poses a risk of liver damage with chronic ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of large amounts of Tripleurospermum inodorum may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids present can potentially lead to liver issues with prolonged or heavy consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicTripleurospermum inodorum, commonly known as scentless mayweed, can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant amounts. The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may lead to liver damage with chronic exposure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Scentless Mayweed toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Scentless Mayweed have any fragrance?
A: No, it is called 'Scentless' because it lacks a noticeable fragrance.
Q: Is Scentless Mayweed considered a weed?
A: Yes, it is often classified as a weed due to its invasive growth habits.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
