Achillea maritima
Cottonweed
Description
Source: leafsnapOtanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the chamomile tribe (Anthemideae) within the daisy family (Asteraceae or Compositae). The only known species is the cotton weed plant, Otanthus maritimus. It is a small pioneering perennial that grows in the dune areas throughout the Mediterranean and exerts a stabilizing action on the sandy soils. A thick white down covers both the stems and the small oval, slightly saw-toothed alternate leaves. The globose flower heads, with their short peduncles, are composed of an envelope of white-wooly scales around tubular yellow flowers that are visible from June through to September. The generic name is derived from the Greek words otos (ear) and anthos (flower). This refers to the form of the corolla, which is composed of three membranous bracts that create a profile similar to that of a human ear.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun
Cottonweed comes from bright, open habitats where it flourishes in full sun. It can tolerate partial sun but prefers direct sunlight for the best growth. This plant, which can be annual or biennial, is noted for its sun-loving nature.
🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C
Cottonweed can adjust to a broad range of temperatures, though its range may still be restricted by various combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer climates with adequate rainfall or watering. Extended spells of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can raise the likelihood of Cottonweed dying. In winter, suitable protection from cold can enhance the plant’s survival rate.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer
When most of Cottonweed's blooms have opened to full size, resume fertilizing. At the time the flowers are at their peak, apply fertilizer every three to four weeks, weather permitting. Then, once Cottonweed begins producing fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there's no need to feed the plant when it can no longer produce additional blooms.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Achillea
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-10
- Mature Height
- 20 cm to 40 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Silver, Light Gray
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Early fall, Mid fall