Gonocarpus teucrioides
raspwort
Overview
Gonocarpus teucrioides is a small evergreen perennial herb of the raspwort family, growing 6-20 inches (15-50 cm) tall with erect to sprawling, four-angled stems. The opposite leaves are small, 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long, oval to lance-shaped with toothed margins and a slightly rough surface, resembling the foliage of germander, the source of the species name. Slender terminal spikes carry many tiny flowers in greenish to dull-red tones, each only a few millimeters across, through spring and summer. Native to eastern Australia, it grows in open eucalypt forest, woodland, and heath on sandy and gravelly soils, often in light shade among shrubs and grasses. It tolerates dry, low-nutrient ground once established but is small and low-key in appearance, with flowers that are noticeable only at close range. The plant forms a loose, spreading patch over time and self-seeds in suitable open ground. Growth is modest, and the foliage often takes on reddish tints in exposed, dry, or cold conditions. It withstands drought and poor soil, though its small stature keeps its presence subtle unless plants are massed.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria and Tasmania. It grows in open forest, woodland, and heath on sandy or gravelly soils, often in light shade.Suggested Uses
Used in native and bushland gardens, woodland underplantings, and low-water borders on sandy soil. Suited to massed planting among grasses and small shrubs, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'8"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish to reddishFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Grows in light shade to part sun on free-draining sandy or gravelly soils low in nutrients. Established plants tolerate dry spells and need little water once settled. It suits low-fertility ground and requires no routine feeding. The foliage colors more strongly red in exposed, dry, or cold positions. It is moderately frost-tolerant and persists through cool winters in temperate areas. Self-sown seedlings appear in open ground and can be left or thinned.Pruning
Pruning is limited to a light trim after flowering to keep the plant compact and remove spent spikes. No hard cutting is needed. Removing old growth in late winter encourages fresh spring foliage.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons