Field fumitory
fumaria agraria
Also known as: ["Common fumitory","Field fumitory"]
Overview
A slender, annual herbaceous plant with delicate, finely divided leaves and small, pinkish-purple flowers. It is often found in disturbed ground and cultivated areas.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Papaverales |
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Genus: | Fumaria |
| Botanical Name: | Fumaria agraria |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile, loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when growth becomes unruly.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning to remove dead or faded flowers and maintain shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light conditions, especially in warmer climates. Prefers dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; avoid direct midday sun to prevent scorching; suitable for shaded garden beds or indoor areas with indirect light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid direct sun; prefers shade; adjust based on temperature.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; adjust based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Thrives in cooler conditions and may struggle in prolonged heat.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Use weak fertilizer solutions; fertilize during growth periods only; avoid over-fertilization.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common and reliable. Stem cuttings can also be attempted but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly in moist soil.
- Keep warm and humid.
- Or take stem cuttings, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in moist medium.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone may help with stem cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds may germinate in 2–4 weeks under optimal conditions. Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, rooting hormone (optional), misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep seeds warm and moist; use clean tools for cuttings; provide humidity for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or snip off spent flowers with clean cuts.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required. Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming and tidy up leggy growth as needed.
Tools
Pruning shears or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; trim leggy growth; use clean tools.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot, ensuring good drainage.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil deteriorates. Fumaria agraria prefers to be slightly pot-bound.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; minimal disturbance to roots.
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 discard excess to prevent standing water.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and early summer, reducing frequency in winter to prevent root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or dormancy in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause the plant to become dormant or die back, especially if exposed to frost.
Solution: Provide frost protection in colder climates; mulch around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants indoors during freezes.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, 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
Light feeding with 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 are susceptible to liver damage from pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in Fumaria agraria. Chronic exposure can lead to severe hepatotoxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Fumaria agraria can lead to liver damage in dogs if ingested regularly. Acute toxicity is rare but possible with large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicFumaria agraria contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage upon chronic ingestion. The plant's effects are generally mild but can accumulate over time, leading to hepatotoxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Field fumitory toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Field fumitory require special care?
A: No, it is very easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
Q: What are the uses of Field fumitory?
A: It is primarily known for its wildlife-attracting properties and has some traditional medicinal uses.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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