Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum
jersey cudweed
Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia (Old World origin)
Overview
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum, also known as Gnaphalium luteoalbum, is an annual herb covered in dense grey-white wool, growing 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) tall on erect, branching stems. The narrow, untoothed leaves are 0.5-2 inches (1.5-5 cm) long, grey-green and felted with woolly hairs on both sides, clasping the stem at the base. From summer into autumn the stems end in tight clusters of small rounded flower heads; each head is pale yellow to straw-colored with papery, pale bracts and no showy ray florets. It grows on open, sandy, gravelly, or disturbed ground, including dune slacks, damp hollows, tracksides, and waste places, tolerating drought and poor soil. As an annual it completes its life in one season and relies on plentiful wind-borne seed to return. It behaves as a colonizer of bare ground and a weed of cultivated and disturbed sites in many regions. The woolly grey foliage and small straw flower clusters give it a muted look rather than bright color. It dies back completely after seeding.
Native Range
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum occurs widely across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia, and is naturalized in North America and elsewhere, making it nearly cosmopolitan. It grows on open sandy and disturbed ground, dune slacks, and damp bare hollows. Its original range is generally placed in the Old World.Suggested Uses
Found mainly on sandy, disturbed, and coastal ground rather than as a border plant, where it colonizes bare open soil. It has a limited ornamental role and is more often seen as a wild colonizer or weed. Its grey woolly foliage suits dry, sandy, sunny sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale yellow to strawFoliage Description
Grey-woolly greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum grows in full sun on open, free-draining sandy or gravelly soil and tolerates drought and low fertility. It does poorly in shade or on rich, heavy, waterlogged ground. As an annual it is grown from seed sown on bare ground in spring, and it self-sows readily on open sites. No feeding is needed on lean soils. It establishes quickly on disturbed ground and completes its cycle in a single season. Spent plants are cleared after seeding.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this annual. Plants can be pulled or cut once they have set seed in autumn. Removing them before seed sheds limits self-sowing.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Plant Spacing
6 inches