Accession Count: 135
Common Name:
yellow dot, creeping-oxeye
Family Name:
Asteraceae
Botanical Name:
Sphagneticola trilobata
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Sphagneticola trilobata is a creeping, perennial herb that thrives in tropical environments, taking the form of a ground cover, and spreading by rooting nodes. It features dark green leaves that are elliptic, irregularly serrate, five inches long, and each with three lobes. The foliage only reaches one to one half foot high but spreads to about six feet in diameter, retaining its color over a long season (5,6,7). Namely, yellow dot features bright yellow, one-inch flowers that bloom sporadically during the warm months of spring and early summer (1).
Compound:
Sph tri
Geographic Origin:
Central America, South America, Caribbean Islands
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
This species originates from South and Central America. S. trilobata has been naturalized in on some Pacific islands and is considered invasive in parts of the United States (1,2,7)
Cultivation Notes:
S.trilobata is tolerant to many different soil types, however prefers regular watering and well-drained soil to help maintain its growth. The groundcover is best planted in partial shade and is able to survive moderate droughts. Weekly watering is suggested for optimal growth, and full shade is not desirable for its growth and flowering.The only pruning necessary is to control spreading and occasionally thinning of the plant. Yellow dot is hardy, best planted in USDA hardiness zones nine through 11. In the winter, frost can kill the plant all the way to the ground but is able to quickly recover in the spring (2,7).
Ethnobotany:
Also known as creeping-oxeye, S. trilobata is popular among landscapes, providing great erosion control and ground cover in shaded areas. It can also be planted in large planters, and is best suited for mini-oasis landscapes when using xeriscape techniques (7). Compounds found in Yellow dots are known to display anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and analgesic properties, and is traditionally used to treat hepatitis, indigestion and infections. In South America, this species is used to treat fever and inflammation symptoms of colds and flu, and as a tea it can be used to treat chest colds and coughs (4).
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Fall
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
