Beggars' lice
helenium amarum
Also known as: ["Beggars' ticks","Stick-tight"]
Overview
A small, annual herbaceous plant in the daisy family, known for its small yellow flowers and burr-like fruits that cling to clothing and animal fur.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Helenium |
| Botanical Name: | Helenium amarum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during flowering; light pruning in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning after midsummer to prevent reduced flowering.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds in heavy soil; amend with compost annually; avoid overwatering.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F/18–29°C); tolerates heat but may struggle below 50°F/10°C.
Monitor nighttime lows; adjust watering in heat waves; protect from sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Apply fertilizer after watering; avoid contact with leaves; reduce feeding in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node; trim stems to encourage bushiness.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Hand pruners, clean scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; deadhead regularly; trim leggy stems; avoid cutting into old wood.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until the soil is moist but not waterlogged; ensure water penetrates the root ball; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter or drought; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting in heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold; yellowing in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage in winter.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F/4°C; use mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or flower drop; reduced vigor in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain moisture; mist foliage in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid foliage contact; stop in fall.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Helenium amarum. The plant is not highly toxic to felines but can cause discomfort if consumed in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Helenium amarum can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in large amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHelenium amarum contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's effects are generally not life-threatening but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Helenium amarum toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Helenium amarum spread?
A: It spreads through its burr-like fruits that attach to clothing, animals, and machinery, facilitating dispersal.
Q: Is Helenium amarum suitable for garden cultivation?
A: While it can be grown in gardens, it is often considered a weed due to its aggressive self-seeding nature.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| 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
