Yerba del venado
eriophyllum stoechadifolium
Also known as: ["Yerba del venado","Deerbrush"]
Overview
A perennial herb native to western North America, known for its woolly leaves and daisy-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Eriophyllum |
| Botanical Name: | Eriophyllum stoechadifolium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, slopes, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during active growth; major pruning in early spring if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate an overgrown plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense summer sun; supplement with grow lights if indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure excellent drainage, and avoid frequent light watering.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; use a pot with drainage holes; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but may struggle in prolonged heat above 80°F (27°C).
Avoid placing near heat sources; protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
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. Bottom heat can speed rooting.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting soil.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim leggy stems to promote compact growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or damaged growth. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in early morning; remove dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. May become root-bound, which can stunt growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water lightly; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Allow excess water to drain freely and avoid wetting foliage. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or compost to improve drainage and aeration. Avoid dense amendments like peat moss unless mixed with other components.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause root damage if soil freezes. Frost can damage foliage but is generally hardy to brief cold snaps.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter to insulate roots. Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location during hard freezes.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering. High temperatures combined with drought stress can be fatal.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Water deeply in the morning and use shade cloth if necessary. Ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply monthly during spring and summer, avoiding winter fertilization.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicEriophyllum stoechadifolium is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicEriophyllum stoechadifolium is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicEriophyllum stoechadifolium is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant has no reported adverse physiological effects when ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Eriophyllum stoechadifolium toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for this plant?
A: It thrives in full sun and well-drained, dry to moderately moist soil.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a good choice for wildlife gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| 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
