Povertyweed (Iva axillaris)

Povertyweed (Iva axillaris) is a low-growing perennial herb native to western North America, forming dense mats.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Watering

Moderate

Soil

Tolerates a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay. Prefers well-drained soil.

Temperature

Adaptable

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low Feed

Care Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Water

Moderate

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Tolerates a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay. Prefers well-drained soil.

Temperature

Adaptable

Prefers 15-25°C, but tolerates a wide range.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low Feed

Generally not required; light feeding in spring if needed.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb, Creeper

Plant Category

Foliage

Plant Place Type

Groundcover, Garden

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.1-0.5 m

Spread

1-3 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Yes

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Opposite, linear to lanceolate

Flower Size

0.5-1 cm

Weed Status

Yes

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Aug

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Jan

FloweringFruiting

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderAsterales
familyAsteraceae
genusIva
speciesIva axillaris

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Additional Care Tips

Water moderately during the growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Can be cut back hard to control spread.

Easily propagated by division of clumps in spring or fall. Can also be grown from seed, though division is more common for established plants.

Not typically grown in pots. If container-grown, repot in spring every 2-3 years as needed, using a well-draining potting mix.

FAQs

Is Povertyweed invasive?

Iva axillaris is considered a weed and can spread aggressively, forming dense monocultures, especially in disturbed or overgrazed areas.

How do I control Povertyweed?

Control can be achieved through repeated mowing, digging out rhizomes, or using herbicides. Maintaining healthy desirable vegetation also helps.

What are the flowers of Iva axillaris like?

The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and typically yellow, borne in axillary clusters along the stems during summer and fall.

Can Povertyweed be used for erosion control?

Yes, its dense mat-forming habit and ability to grow in poor soils make it suitable for stabilizing soil on slopes and disturbed sites.

Is Iva axillaris toxic?

According to available data, Iva axillaris is not considered toxic to pets or humans.

Care Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Water

Moderate

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Tolerates a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay. Prefers well-drained soil.

Temperature

Adaptable

Prefers 15-25°C, but tolerates a wide range.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low Feed

Generally not required; light feeding in spring if needed.

Additional Care Tips

Water moderately during the growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Can be cut back hard to control spread.

Easily propagated by division of clumps in spring or fall. Can also be grown from seed, though division is more common for established plants.

Not typically grown in pots. If container-grown, repot in spring every 2-3 years as needed, using a well-draining potting mix.

FAQs