Blitum nuttallianum Plant Care

Blitum nuttallianum Schult.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Blitum nuttallianum, is a species of flowering plant in the amaranth family known by the common names povertyweed and Nuttall's povertyweed. It is native to North America, where it is widespread and common from Alaska to Mexico to New England.

🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Blitum nuttallianum?

Plant Blitum nuttallianum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Blitum nuttallianum Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Blitum nuttallianum?

Blitum nuttallianum (Blitum nuttallianum) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Blitum genus. Blitum nuttallianum is native to North America.

Blitum nuttallianum displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Blitum nuttallianum produces small greenish flowers in dense clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Blitum nuttallianum?

Water a young or newly planted Blitum nuttallianum every 7–10 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 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Blitum nuttallianum Need?

Blitum nuttallianum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Blitum nuttallianum Prefer?

Blitum nuttallianum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Blitum nuttallianum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Blitum nuttallianum?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Blitum nuttallianum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Blitum nuttallianum?

Feed Blitum nuttallianum 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 Blitum nuttallianum?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Blitum nuttallianum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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 Blitum nuttallianum?

Blitum nuttallianum can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Blitum nuttallianum?

Prune Blitum nuttallianum 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 Blitum nuttallianum in Winter?

Blitum nuttallianum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). 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 Blitum nuttallianum?

Blitum nuttallianum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Blitum nuttallianum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Blitum nuttallianum, 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 Blitum nuttallianum?

Blitum nuttallianum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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 Blitum nuttallianum Need?

Blitum nuttallianum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Blitum nuttallianum is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow Blitum nuttallianum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Blitum nuttallianum 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 Blitum genus (family Amaranthaceae) — search all Blitum species in the plant lookup.

Blitum nuttallianum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Blitum nuttallianum Schult., family Amaranthaceae (first published in Mant. 1: 65 (1822)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Blitum nuttallianum, 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 13a, 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.

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