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Overview
A clump-forming perennial reaching 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall with a similar or slightly wider spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). Leaves are rounded, 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) across, with 9–11 shallow, toothed lobes and a soft, pleated texture covered in fine hairs that cause water droplets to bead and collect on the surface. Foliage is pale to mid-green, emerging in spring and remaining through summer. In late spring to early summer, branching stems bear loose clusters of tiny chartreuse-yellow flowers each approximately 3 mm across, forming airy sprays above the foliage. Flowers lack petals; the yellow-green color comes from the sepals. Plants spread modestly by short rhizomes and self-seed freely; seedlings can become weedy in moist, fertile soils. Foliage may scorch in hot, dry summers and often looks ragged by late summer in zones 7–9, warranting cutting back to regenerate fresh leaves. Hardy in zones 3–8.
Native Range
Native to the Caucasus region, eastern Turkey, and adjacent parts of southwestern Asia. Grows in moist meadows, woodland margins, and stream banks at elevations from sea level to approximately 7,000 feet (2,100 m). Naturalized in parts of western Europe and northeastern North America.Suggested Uses
Commonly used as a groundcover or edging plant in perennial borders and shaded beds at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Self-seeding colonizes disturbed or moist soils; can spread into turf or adjacent beds. Flower sprays are used as filler in cut arrangements; they last approximately 7–10 days in water.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Colors
Bloom Information
Blooms May through July in zones 4–7. In zone 3, bloom may begin in June; in zones 8–9, bloom often finishes by June before summer heat sets in. Individual flowers are small and last several days; the overall flowering period extends 4–6 weeks. Cutting back plants after bloom may encourage a secondary flush of foliage.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
pale to mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade to full sun in cool climates; afternoon shade is needed in zones 7–9 to prevent leaf scorch. Water regularly during establishment; established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but foliage quality declines in prolonged dry periods. Cut plants back to 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) in midsummer if foliage becomes ragged from heat or after bloom; new foliage will regenerate within 2–3 weeks. Self-seeding is prolific — deadhead promptly after bloom if seedling spread is not desired. Divide clumps every 3–5 years in spring to maintain vigor; outer divisions establish readily.Pruning
Cut back spent flower stems and any ragged or scorched foliage to 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) above ground in midsummer to encourage fresh leaf growth. A second cutback in early fall tidies plants before winter. In zones 3–5, foliage may die back naturally; cut to ground level in late fall or early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons