Sticky Fleabane
dittrichia viscosa
Also known as: ["Sticky Inula","Yellow Fleabane"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with yellow flowers, known for its sticky leaves and stems.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Dittrichia |
| Botanical Name: | Dittrichia viscosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny, open area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months during active growth; lightly prune after flowering to shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant’s growth if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning in late
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 to intense sunlight to avoid scorching; place in the brightest possible location indoors; outdoors, ensure protection from harsh midday sun in very hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light indoors; provide afternoon shade in extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries out between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0)
Use a cactus/succulent mix as a base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F / 18–29°C); prefers mild winters and can tolerate brief dips to 20°F (-6°C) if dry.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; use a fan for gentle airflow in hot weather; monitor temperature extremes closely.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce frequency in cooler months.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Keep warm and bright.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing
Environment
Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss, or cactus/succulent soil
Hormone
Recommended to promote faster rooting
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome or plastic bag, misting bottle
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective cutting of stems to just above a leaf node or bud; pinch back tips for bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or overgrown stems to improve air circulation and flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged stems; shape evenly; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
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; beneficial to refresh soil and provide more space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water lightly; place in shaded area for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture penetration to a depth of 6–8 inches, and allow excess water to drain freely to prevent root rot. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage, especially if soil is wet; may lead to dieback in severe cases.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect roots with mulch; ensure soil is dry before cold spells; use frost cloth for outdoor plants.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering, especially if combined with drought.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; improve 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 every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest Dittrichia viscosa. The plant's compounds can irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort but not severe toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Dittrichia viscosa may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones. While not life-threatening, the plant can cause discomfort and irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDittrichia viscosa contains sesquiterpene lactones and other secondary metabolites that can cause mild gastrointestinal and dermal irritation upon ingestion. The plant's compounds may induce localized inflammation and discomfort but are not considered highly toxic.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dittrichia viscosa toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Dittrichia viscosa attract wildlife?
A: Its yellow flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Does Dittrichia viscosa require much care?
A: It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in dry conditions with minimal attention.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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