Boraginaceae
Yellow gromwell: Ground Cover Plant
Amsinckia calycina
It is a low-maintenance wild plant that requires full sun and well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Every 10 days
Bright indirect
5° - 28°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Yellow gromwell?
Yellow gromwell (Amsinckia calycina) is a medium-care plant from the Boraginaceae family. Amsinckia calycina, commonly known as yellow gromwell or fiddleneck, is an annual herbaceous plant characterized by upright stems covered in stiff, bristly hairs. Its flowers are small, ranging from vibrant yellow to orange, arranged in curved inflorescences that resemble a scorpion's tail. It is a...
Yellow gromwell grows up to 60cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 10 days, 5°C – 28°C, 30–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Yellow gromwell?
TLDR: Yellow gromwell needs Bright indirect, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 5-28°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Yellow gromwell?
Water only during periods of extreme drought; excess moisture causes root rot.
How Much Light Does Yellow gromwell Need?
Requires direct sun exposure for optimal flowering; does not tolerate dense shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Yellow gromwell?
Prefers poor, sandy soils; excess nitrogen can damage its natural growth.
What Pot Should You Use for Yellow gromwell?
Not recommended for pots; prefers open ground due to its taproot.
What Is Yellow gromwell and Where Does It Come From?
Amsinckia calycina, commonly known as yellow gromwell or fiddleneck, is an annual herbaceous plant characterized by upright stems covered in stiff, bristly hairs. Its flowers are small, ranging from vibrant yellow to orange, arranged in curved inflorescences that resemble a scorpion's tail. It is a pioneer species that typically appears in disturbed grounds and grasslands.
How to Propagate Yellow gromwell?
Direct sowing
- Seeds usually germinate with the first autumn or winter rains.
- Be careful as it can become invasive under ideal conditions.
- 1 Site preparation
Clear the area of weeds and lightly loosen the soil surface.
- 2 Sowing
Scatter the seeds over sandy soil and cover with a very thin layer of earth.
- 3 Initial watering
Water gently to settle the seeds without waterlogging the ground.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Yellow gromwell Grow?
TLDR: Yellow gromwell can reach up to 60cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Often associated with resilience and the colonization of arid lands.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
