Nipplewort
lapsana communis
Also known as: ["Common Nipplewort","Nipple Wort"]
Overview
A herbaceous annual or biennial plant in the family Asteraceae, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Lapsana |
| Botanical Name: | Lapsana communis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in partial sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; deadhead regularly.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or bright indirect light per day.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct midday sun indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not waterlogged; amend with organic matter for fertility; check pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions.
Avoid drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer after watering; stop feeding in dormant periods; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed sowing.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply hormone (if used).
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for cuttings; sow seeds in early spring or fall.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but can improve rooting success.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in 8–12 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips; cut above leaf nodes; remove yellow or damaged leaves.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead or diseased parts; shape as needed; dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.
Method
Use fresh potting mix; ensure good drainage; gently tease out crowded roots.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; add fresh soil; water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.
Solution: Provide frost protection; move potted plants indoors; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLapsana communis is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicLapsana communis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicLapsana communis is not considered toxic to humans. It has been used historically in traditional medicine and as a food source.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lapsana communis edible?
A: Yes, the leaves are edible and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach.
Q: Does Lapsana communis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Is Lapsana communis considered a weed?
A: Yes, it is often considered a weed due to its invasive growth habit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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