Crossostephium

Description

Crossostephium is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as the Golden Buttons or Bitter Buttons due to its small, button-like flowers with yellow petals and distinctively bitter taste. The genus consists of only one species, Crossostephium chinense, which is native to East Asia and Southeast Asia.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Crossostephium is a small, herbaceous annual or perennial plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has a woody base and many branches covered with small, alternate leaves that are lanceolate in shape and 1-7 cm long. The plant produces small, button-like flowers that are 5-6 mm in diameter, with yellow petals and a central disc of dark purple florets. The flowers bloom in late summer to early fall and are followed by small, achene-like fruits.

Care Guide

Crossostephium is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:

Water

Crossostephium prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage and fewer flowers.

Soil

Crossostephium prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

Sunlight

Crossostephium prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It performs best in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Hardiness Zones

Crossostephium is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. It can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

Crossostephium is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To prevent pest infestations, keep the plant well-watered and fertilized, and remove any dead or diseased foliage.

Habitat

Crossostephium is native to East Asia and Southeast Asia, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and scrublands. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun but can tolerate a range of soil types and light conditions.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Crossostephium a good plant for beginners?

A: Yes, Crossostephium is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and care for. It is a good choice for beginners or anyone looking for a low-maintenance plant.

Q: Can Crossostephium be grown indoors?

A: Crossostephium is best grown outdoors in full sun. It can be grown indoors as a houseplant, but it may not thrive in low-light conditions.

Q: Does Crossostephium attract bees and butterflies?

A: Yes, Crossostephium is a good plant for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.

Q: Can Crossostephium be used for medicinal purposes?

A: Crossostephium has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headache, and cough. However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness and safety for medicinal use.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants in the Asteraceae family:

• Achillea
• Chrysanthemum
• Dahlia
• Echinacea
• Solidago

References

• “Crossostephium chinense (L.) Makino.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science.
• Li, Y. X., et al. “A review of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Crossostephium chinense (L.) Makino.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 245, 2019, pp. 112134.
• “Golden Buttons.” Missouri Botanical Garden.