Alpine coltsfoot

homogyne alpina

Also known as: ["Alpine coltsfoot","Tussilago alpina"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Homogyne Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing perennial herb native to alpine and subalpine regions of Europe, known for its yellow flowers and basal leaves.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Homogyne
Botanical Name: Homogyne alpina

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, shaded woodland areas, or alpine troughs
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–7"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, acidic to neutral soil with organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring
  • Pruning Intensity: Light
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light conditions, especially in warmer months.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from direct sun to avoid scorching; ideal for shaded garden spots or north-facing windows.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Avoid direct sunlight; provide dappled light; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

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

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich soil

pH: 5.5–7.0

Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Cool temperatures preferred, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C); tolerates cold but sensitive to heat.

Keep away from heat sources; maintain cool conditions; protect from frost.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to moist soil; stop fertilizing in fall.

Propagation

Methods

Division or stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings or divide clumps.
  2. Apply rooting hormone if using.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Early spring or after flowering

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and cool temperatures (50–60°F)

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage

Hormone

Optional, but can aid rooting

Timeline

4–6 weeks for roots to develop; several months to establish

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone, pots, humidity dome

Quick Tips

Use clean tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off dead or yellowing leaves; trim back straggly stems to encourage bushiness.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance.

Tools

Pruning shears, scissors

Checklist

Clean tools before use; prune dead material; avoid cutting healthy growth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; avoid overpotting

Method

Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot only when necessary, as the plant prefers being slightly root-bound.

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; ensure pots have drainage holes.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Allow excess water to drain away completely.

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

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or leaf mold for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf yellowing, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and can cause root damage if temperatures drop below freezing without protection.

Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold; move potted plants to a sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may cease in high temperatures.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water carefully to avoid overheating roots.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during active growth only.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Homogyne alpina may indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen, or stress due to environmental factors such as excessive sunlight or waterlogging.

Wilting in Homogyne alpina can result from water stress, either due to drought conditions or overwatering leading to root damage.

Leaf spots on Homogyne alpina may be caused by fungal pathogens like Cercospora or Alternaria, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf loss.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Homogyne alpina is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to fungal infections such as Pythium or Fusarium.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Homogyne alpina is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, monitor your pet if they consume large amounts of any plant material.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Homogyne alpina is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, monitor your pet if they consume large amounts of any plant material.
Humans
Non-toxic

Homogyne alpina is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is advisable to avoid consuming large quantities of any wild plant unless properly identified and prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Homogyne alpina toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Where does Homogyne alpina grow best?

A: It thrives in alpine and subalpine regions with partial shade and well-drained soil.

Q: Does Homogyne alpina attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowering habit.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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