Tearthumb, Wormwood Treaclemary
erysimum cheiranthoides
Also known as: ["Tearthumb","Wormwood Treaclemary","Wormseed Mustard"]
Overview
A slender annual plant with small, bright yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves, often found in disturbed soils.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Erysimum |
| Botanical Name: | Erysimum cheiranthoides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in open, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day); adjust for intense summer heat by providing partial afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure proper ventilation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near heat sources.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Avoid overwatering; water at the base of the plant; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds in heavy soils; avoid overwatering; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer in the morning; avoid contact with foliage; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed propagation; seeds are the most common method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Take cuttings or sow seeds.
- Maintain moisture and warmth.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for stem cuttings; seeds can be sown in spring or fall.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or seed-starting medium with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks; stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks and establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster germination; avoid disturbing roots during transplanting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip stems just above a leaf node or lateral branch; deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged growth to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; deadhead spent flowers; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose a new pot with drainage holes; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone, ensuring moisture reaches the root ball without saturating the soil. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering during dormancy or cooler months.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or failure to flower in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide frost protection with row covers or mulch; avoid planting in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Erysimum cheiranthoides. The plant's toxic compounds can cause digestive irritation but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Erysimum cheiranthoides can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds affect the digestive tract, causing discomfort but typically not severe systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicErysimum cheiranthoides, commonly known as wormseed, contains toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon ingestion. The plant's physiological impact is primarily localized to the digestive system, with minimal systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Erysimum cheiranthoides toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does this plant get its name 'Tearthumb'?
A: The stems have small hooked hairs that can cause irritation if they catch on skin, resembling a paper cut.
Q: Does this plant require special care?
A: No, it is very hardy and requires minimal maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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