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Description
Sphagneticola, also known as creeping oxeye or wedelia, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Native to South America, these plants have become popular ornamental plants in warmer regions around the world. Sphagneticola is a fast-growing, spreading plant that produces yellow, daisy-like flowers. It is often grown as ground cover, but can also be grown in pots or hanging baskets.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Sphagneticola |
Appearance
Sphagneticola has small, oval-shaped leaves that are bright green in color. The plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom throughout the year in warm climates. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and have a bright yellow center with yellow petals. Sphagneticola is a fast-growing, spreading plant that can reach up to 1 foot in height and 3 feet in width. It is often grown as ground cover, but can also be grown in pots or hanging baskets.
Care Guide
Water: Sphagneticola prefers consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.Fertilization: Feed sphagneticola with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.Soil: Sphagneticola prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Sphagneticola prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot, dry climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.Hardiness Zones: Sphagneticola is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests and Diseases
Sphagneticola is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may occasionally be affected by spider mites or aphids. To control these pests, spray the plant with a soapy water solution. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Habitat
Sphagneticola is native to South America, but has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant. It is often grown as ground cover in warm climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Is sphagneticola toxic to pets?
A: While sphagneticola is not known to be toxic to pets, it is always a good idea to keep pets from eating any plants.Q: Can sphagneticola tolerate drought?
A: Sphagneticola prefers consistently moist soil, but can tolerate some drought once established.Q: Can sphagneticola be grown indoors?
A: Sphagneticola can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location.Q: How often should sphagneticola be fertilized?
A: Feed sphagneticola with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Related Plants
- Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
- Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
References
- “Sphagneticola trilobata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287876. Accessed 26 August 2021.
- “Wedelia trilobata.” University of Florida, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/wedelia-trilobata/. Accessed 26 August 2021.
- “Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc.” Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.htm?restype=specimens&plantid=2593. Accessed 26 August 2021.
