Spiny Ironplant
Haplopappus spinulosus

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Haplopappus spinulosus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in leaf all year, in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Prairies and plains in dry open places.

Western N. America - Minnesota and Alberta south to Texas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Odontalgic.

Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. Requires a well-drained deep gritty or gravelly soil, preferably of low fertility.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. 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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sideranthus spinulosus.