Wood False Foxglove
melampyrum sylvaticum
Also known as: ["Wooden Broomrape","Wooden Foxglove"]
Overview
A herbaceous plant in the family Orobanchaceae, known for its yellowish flowers and parasitic nature on the roots of other plants.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Melampyrum |
| Botanical Name: | Melampyrum sylvaticum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-drained, humus-rich soil with some sand or perlite for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overgrown stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light is ideal. Avoid intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from harsh direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a location with consistent, gentle light for indoor cultivation.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingmoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide dappled light; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of loam, peat, and perlite; ensure good drainage; maintain slightly acidic pH.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Prefers cooler conditions, especially during dormancy.
Keep in cool conditions; protect from frost; avoid extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilization.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; stem cuttings can also be attempted.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds or cuttings.
- Prepare medium.
- Plant seeds or cuttings.
- Maintain humidity.
- Monitor for growth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid, and shaded environment for cuttings; consistent moisture for seeds.
Medium
Seed: well-drained soil mix; Cuttings: perlite or sand with some peat.
Hormone
Optional for cuttings, but can improve rooting success.
Timeline
Seeds: germination in 3–6 weeks; Cuttings: roots in 4–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, seed trays, rooting hormone (optional), misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; maintain consistent moisture; provide gentle warmth for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip back stems just above a leaf node or lateral branch.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged growth to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil degrades. Typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water until it drains from the bottom, then allow excess to drain away. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, reducing frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add organic matter like compost; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; leaf drop or cessation of growth in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth or cause leaf damage, especially if combined with wet soil.
Solution: Protect from frost; ensure good drainage to prevent cold-water stress; move indoors or to a sheltered location in freezing conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf burn, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Melampyrum sylvaticum may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The plant is not highly toxic to cats but can cause mild discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Melampyrum sylvaticum by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic to dogs but can cause discomfort if consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicMelampyrum sylvaticum contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other mild symptoms upon ingestion. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Melampyrum sylvaticum toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Melampyrum sylvaticum grow?
A: It is a hemiparasitic plant that grows by attaching its roots to host plants.
Q: What are the typical uses of Melampyrum sylvaticum?
A: It is primarily valued for its ecological role in supporting pollinators and is of interest to botanists and plant enthusiasts.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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