Acmispon denticulatus Plant Care
Acmispon denticulatus (Drew) D.D.Sokoloff
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Acmispon denticulatus is a species of legume known by the common name riverbar bird's-foot trefoil. It is native to western North America from British Columbia to California to Utah, where it grows in moist spots in a number of habitat types.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Acmispon denticulatus?
Plant Acmispon denticulatus in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Acmispon denticulatus Native To?
What Is the Acmispon denticulatus?
Acmispon denticulatus (Acmispon denticulatus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Acmispon genus. Acmispon denticulatus is native to western North America from British Columbia to California to Utah.
Acmispon denticulatus displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Acmispon denticulatus produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Acmispon denticulatus?
Water a young or newly planted Acmispon denticulatus every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Acmispon denticulatus Need?
Acmispon denticulatus thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Acmispon denticulatus Prefer?
Acmispon denticulatus tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Acmispon denticulatus prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Acmispon denticulatus?
Well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Acmispon denticulatus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Acmispon denticulatus?
Feed Acmispon denticulatus every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Acmispon denticulatus?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Acmispon denticulatus is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Acmispon denticulatus?
Acmispon denticulatus can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Acmispon denticulatus?
Prune Acmispon denticulatus while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Acmispon denticulatus in Winter?
Acmispon denticulatus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Acmispon denticulatus?
Acmispon denticulatus can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american bird's-foot trefoil plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Acmispon denticulatus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Acmispon denticulatus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Acmispon denticulatus?
Acmispon denticulatus is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Acmispon denticulatus Need?
Acmispon denticulatus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Acmispon denticulatus is native to western North America from British Columbia to California to Utah. In cooler regions, grow Acmispon denticulatus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Acmispon denticulatus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Acmispon genus — compare its care with other Acmispon species on PlantoScan.
Acmispon is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Acmispon denticulatus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Acmispon Species
Other Acmispon species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Acmispon denticulatus (Drew) D.D.Sokoloff, family Fabaceae (first published in Ann. Bot. Fenn. 37: 130 (2000)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Acmispon denticulatus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
