Water
Water consistently when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this plant prefers well-drained conditions. Reduce watering frequency during winter dormancy to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage in pots and garden beds.
Bessey's Stickseed (Hackelia besseyi) is a charming native wildflower known for its delicate blue flowers and prickly nutlets that cling to fur. It's a valuable addition
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, tolerates some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures (18-24°C) and can tolerate cooler conditions.
Low
25% intensity
Feed lightly in spring, avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this plant prefers well-drained conditions. Reduce watering frequency during winter dormancy to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage in pots and garden beds.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove spent flower stalks. This encourages more blooms and prevents excessive seeding.
For plants grown for their foliage or habit, pruning can be done in early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation is typically done by seed in autumn or early spring. Stratification may improve germination rates. Division of established clumps in early spring is also an effective method for asexual propagation.
Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repotting is best done in early spring before active growth commences.
Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the current one.
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 Bessey's Stickseed (Hackelia besseyi)
Where Bessey's Stickseed (Hackelia besseyi) is found

Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Hackelia |
| Species | Hackelia besseyi |
Similar in genus Hackelia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data