Asteriscus
Asteriscusgummifera

Family: Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Asteriscus (ass-ter-IS-kus)
Species: gummifera (gum-MIF-er-uh)

Category
Annuals
Groundcovers
Herbs

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Evergreen
Provides Winter Interest

Foliage Color
Orange/Apricot

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Medium Purple

Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are good for cutting
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored