False yellowhead
Dittrichia viscosa

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Dittrichia viscosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Waste places.

Europe - Mediterranean. Introduced and naturalized in a few localities in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

A yellow dye is obtained from the roots.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

Grows freely in a sunny position in ordinary garden soil.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no details on this species but suggest sowing it in spring in a greenhouse and only just covering the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Inula viscosa. (L.)Ait.