Malvaceae
Common Wireweed (Sida acuta)
Sida acuta
Needs no care: it grows on its own in sun, in almost any soil, and tolerates drought. The real task is control: pull it before it sets seed.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Common Wireweed?
Common Wireweed (Sida acuta) is a easy-care plant from the Malvaceae family. Common wireweed (Sida acuta) is a perennial undershrub in the mallow family (Malvaceae), native to tropical America and now found throughout the tropics. It grows upright to about 1 m, with thin, tough stems, slimy sap and narrow, pointed, toothed leaves. The small flowers, 6-10 mm across, are pale...
Common Wireweed grows up to 1.0m, watering every 10 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Common Wireweed tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Common Wireweed is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Common Wireweed?
TLDR: Common Wireweed needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Common Wireweed?
No watering needed; it tolerates drought. Young potted plants can be watered every 7-10 days.
How Much Light Does Common Wireweed Need?
Full sun; it grows poorly in shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Common Wireweed?
Grows in almost any soil, including poor and compacted ground.
What Pot Should You Use for Common Wireweed?
Not a pot plant; if grown for medicinal use, use a medium pot with drainage and remove flowers before they set seed.
What Is Common Wireweed and Where Does It Come From?
Common wireweed (Sida acuta) is a perennial undershrub in the mallow family (Malvaceae), native to tropical America and now found throughout the tropics. It grows upright to about 1 m, with thin, tough stems, slimy sap and narrow, pointed, toothed leaves. The small flowers, 6-10 mm across, are pale yellow and star-shaped, borne singly or in twos and threes in the leaf axils. It is mainly a weed: it invades pastures, waste ground and roadsides, forms dense thickets and leaves a seed bank that lasts for years. Its stems are tied into brooms, and it is used in folk medicine in many countries.
How to Propagate Common Wireweed?
Seed
It spreads by itself easily; seeds stick to clothing and animal fur. Do not plant it where it is considered invasive.
- 1 Collect the dry fruits when they turn dark brown
- 2 Sow on open, sunny ground
- 3 Keep lightly moist until germination
Materials needed:
How Big Does Common Wireweed Grow?
TLDR: Common Wireweed can reach up to 1.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Used in folk medicine in many countries for headache, fever and malaria (not well proven)
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Common Wireweed?
TLDR: Common Wireweed is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Fun Facts
Australia introduced a leaf beetle to control it.
A stand can leave more than a thousand seeds per square metre in the soil.
In India's Garo Hills, people make brooms from its stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is common wireweed toxic?
How do I control wireweed?
Why is it called broomweed?
Is it the same as country mallow?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
