Contents
Description
Sphagneticola Calendulacea, commonly known as the creeping-oxeye or trailing daisy, is a fast-growing, herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South and Central America but can now be found in various regions around the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.The creeping-oxeye has a trailing growth habit that can spread up to 2 meters long. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and succulent, with a length of 2-10 cm and a width of 1-3 cm. The plant produces numerous small, yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom all year round, particularly during the warmer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Sphagneticola |
Appearance
The creeping-oxeye has a low, spreading growth habit that makes it an ideal ground cover plant. Its leaves are fleshy, oval-shaped, and shiny, with a prominent midrib. The plant’s stems are thin and wiry, with small, yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in abundance all year round.The flowers of the creeping-oxeye plant have a diameter of approximately 2.5 cm and have a yellow center surrounded by bright yellow petals. The plant’s foliage is dark green, and the leaves grow in pairs at the stem’s nodes.
Care Guide
The creeping-oxeye plant is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:
Water: The plant prefers moist soil, but it is essential not to overwater it. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization: The creeping-oxeye plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can feed it with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
Soil: The plant grows best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A sandy loam soil mix is ideal for the creeping-oxeye plant.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can still thrive in low light conditions.
Hardiness Zones: The creeping-oxeye plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The creeping-oxeye plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect the plant:
Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can infest the plant, causing leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth.
Diseases: The creeping-oxeye plant can be affected by root rot, fungal leaf spots, and powdery mildew, which can cause leaf yellowing, browning, and leaf drop.
Habitat
The creeping-oxeye plant is native to South and Central America but can now be found in various regions around the world. The plant prefers warm, humid climates and can thrive in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.The plant can grow in full sun to partial shade conditions and can tolerate high temperatures and drought conditions. The creeping-oxeye plant is an ideal ground cover plant and can be used to control soil erosion.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the creeping-oxeye plant toxic to pets?
A: No, the plant is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can the creeping-oxeye plant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location.
Q: How often should I fertilize my creeping-oxeye plant?
A: You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate the creeping-oxeye plant?
A: The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or division.
Related Plants
Here are some plants related to the creeping-oxeye plant:
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- Golden Daisy Bush (Euryops pectinatus)
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
References
- “Sphagneticola Calendulacea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b665
- “Sphagneticola Calendulacea.” PlantZAfrica. http://pza.sanbi.org/sphagneticola-calendulacea
- “Sphagneticola Calendulacea.” Floridata. https://floridata.com/Plants/Asteraceae/Sphagneticola%20calendulacea/956
