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(Arctotheca calendula)
Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula)
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User:Xemenendura
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
User:Xemenendura
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: User:Xemenendura | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: Xemenendura | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Arctotheca_calendula_2.JPG | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=Plant of white prickly-poppy (Argemone munita), backlit with afternoon sun. on bank above Lower Rock Creek Road near Tom's Place, Mono County, California.}} |Source=own work |Author=Dcrjsr |Date=2010 |Permissio |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Arctotheca calendula, commonly known as Capeweed, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the coastal plains and disturbed sites in South Africa, including the regions of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal. It typically grows to a height of 0.7-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters) and spreads 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) wide. Capeweed forms a low-growing mat with hairy stems and daisy-like flowers. The blooms feature a central disc of small yellow florets, sometimes with a green or purple tint, encircled by a halo of larger white or yellow ray petals. The flowering season extends through spring, summer, and fall, with the flowers being moderately showy.
Capeweed is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to form a dense ground cover, making it suitable for erosion control and as an ornamental in xeriscaped gardens. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with fast drainage. While it can be an attractive groundcover, it has a tendency to become weedy, especially in bare or sparsely vegetated soils. Its invasive potential should be considered before planting, as it can spread both vegetatively and by seed. In regions where it is not native, such as California, it has become invasive, outcompeting local flora and disrupting ecosystems. Gardeners should check local regulations and recommendations before cultivating Arctotheca calendula outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Capeweed is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to form a dense ground cover, making it suitable for erosion control and as an ornamental in xeriscaped gardens. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with fast drainage. While it can be an attractive groundcover, it has a tendency to become weedy, especially in bare or sparsely vegetated soils. Its invasive potential should be considered before planting, as it can spread both vegetatively and by seed. In regions where it is not native, such as California, it has become invasive, outcompeting local flora and disrupting ecosystems. Gardeners should check local regulations and recommendations before cultivating Arctotheca calendula outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.7-1 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Coastal plains and disturbed sites in South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: African Marigold, Plain Treasure-Flower, Cape Dandelion, Cape Marigold, Cape-Dandelion, Kaplöwenzahn, Kapöga, Venidium, Cape Weed
Scientific Names: , Arctotheca calendula, Arctotis acaulis, Cryptostemma calendulaceum, Cryptostemma calendula, Arctotheca calendulaceum, Arctotis calendulacea, Arctotis calendula, Arctotis hypochondriaca, Arctotis tristis
GBIF Accepted Name: Arctotheca calendula (L.) Levyns