Also known as Akan Asante · Bristly Ox-Tongue · Oxtongue
Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides) is an annual to perennial herb with bristly leaves and yellow, daisy-like flowers, often found in disturbed areas.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but tolerates some shade.
Regular
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained. Reduce in winter.
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
50% intensity
Average
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate cooler conditions.
Light
25% intensity
Feed sparingly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Bristly Oxtongue regularly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as the plant prefers consistently moist but not saturated conditions.
Reduce watering during winter months when growth slows down.
Pruning is generally minimal for Bristly Oxtongue. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Remove any yellowing or damaged foliage as needed.
Significant pruning is usually not required.
Bristly Oxtongue is easily propagated from seed. Sow seeds in early spring, either directly outdoors in a prepared seedbed or indoors in pots a few weeks prior.
The plant may also self-seed readily in suitable conditions.
Repotting is infrequently needed for Bristly Oxtongue. If grown in containers, repot young plants annually or every two years in spring to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Mature plants are often left undisturbed.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Helminthotheca |
| Species | Helminthotheca echioides |
Similar in genus Helminthotheca
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
