Nephrophyllidium crista-galli
Deer-cabbage
Description
Source: leafsnapNephrophyllidium is a monotypic genus of aquatic flowering plants in the family Menyanthaceae. The sole species is Nephrophyllidium crista-galli. They are wetland plants with basal reniform and crenate leaves. Flowers are five-parted and white, and the petals are adorned with lateral wings and a midline keel. Nephrophyllidium is most nearly related to Menyanthes, which is very similar in habit. The genus name is derived from the kidney-shaped leaves (Greek: nephros = kidney and phyllon = leaf), and the specific epithet refers to the curled petal edges (Latin: crista galli = cockscomb). Nephrophyllidium crista-galli is found in the Pacific Northwest of America, and in Japan, where it can be called subspecies japonicum (Franch.) Yonek. & H.Ohashi. Nephrophyllidium is commonly known as deer cabbage. The IAPT determined that a prior synonym for the genus, Fauria Franch., too closely resembled the genus Faurea (Proteaceae), and thus conserved Nephrophyllidium as the accepted genus name.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun
Deer cabbage naturally occurs in habitats like forest understories or rocky areas, where it is subject to natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, showing its versatility and hardiness.
🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Fertilize your Deer cabbage in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular feeding boosts overall vigor, producing strong growth, greater tolerance of harsh conditions, and improved resistance to pests and diseases. Keep to a consistent fertilization schedule to preserve foliage that is vibrant, deeply colored, and lush.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Nephrophyllidium
- Family
- Menyanthaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 7-9
- Mature Height
- 15 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 40 cm
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- United States, Canada