Hairy Salsify
scorzonera hirsuta
Also known as: ["Hairy Goatsbeard","Wild Salsify"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant in the daisy family, known for its hairy stems and leaves, and yellow flower heads.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Scorzonera |
| Botanical Name: | Scorzonera hirsuta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or open sunny areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when dead/damaged foliage is present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overgrown stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on outdoor vs. indoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral, pH 6.5–7.5.
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Prefers temperate conditions, 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but avoids prolonged extreme heat or cold.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Fertilize in spring and summer only; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; apply to moist soil.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings or divide clumps.
- Prepare medium.
- Plant.
- Maintain moisture and warmth.
- Monitor for rooting.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light for cuttings; direct planting for divisions.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; garden soil for division.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks; division should establish within a growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruners, trowel, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; keep cuttings moist; divisions should be planted at the same depth as original.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off unwanted growth at the base; avoid cutting into healthy stems.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged growth; make clean cuts; dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Scorzonera hirsuta prefers slightly crowded roots but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; 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. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, reducing frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in response to extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below freezing.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; mulch around roots; move potted plants indoors if temperatures drop significantly.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat and water loss.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; 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. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicScorzonera hirsuta is generally considered non-toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with incidental ingestion or contact under typical circumstances.
⚡ Toxic If:
under normal conditions
Dogs
Non-toxicScorzonera hirsuta is generally considered non-toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with incidental ingestion or contact under typical circumstances.
⚡ Toxic If:
under normal conditions
Humans
Slightly ToxicScorzonera hirsuta contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when consumed in significant amounts. The plant's roots and leaves are the primary sources of these compounds, which can lead to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Scorzonera hirsuta edible?
A: While related to edible salsify, Scorzonera hirsuta is not commonly consumed and its edibility is not well-documented.
Q: Does Scorzonera hirsuta attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: How does Scorzonera hirsuta grow?
A: It is a hardy perennial that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, with a preference for dry conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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