
Photo: Reidab, Grunt, 3247, PumbaaCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis Plant Care
Ericameria ophitidis (J.T.Howell) G.L.Nesom
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ericameria ophitidis is a North American species of flowering shrubs in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the northern part of the state of California in the western United States. It has been found only in three counties: Trinity County, western Tehama County, and the southwestern corner of Shasta County. It is called the serpentine goldenbush because it grows on serpentine soil, toxic to many other plants.
Every 10–14 days
Full sun
50–85°F
20–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis?
Plant Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis in full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 10–14 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 Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis Native To?
What Is the Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis?
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis (Ericameria ophitidis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Ericameria genus. Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis is native to the northern part of the state of California in the western United States. Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis is also known as Haplopappus ophitidis.
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis?
Water a young or newly planted Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis every 10–14 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 10–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis Need?
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis Prefer?
Ericameria ophitidis tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis prefers humidity levels of 20–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
20–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis?
Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis?
Feed Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis 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 Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis 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 Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis?
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis 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 Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis?
Prune Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis 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 Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis in Winter?
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis 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 Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis?
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cooper's goldenbush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis, 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 Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis?
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis is susceptible to aphids, 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 Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis Need?
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis is native to the northern part of the state of California in the western United States. In cooler regions, grow Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis 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 Ericameria genus — compare its care with other Ericameria species on PlantoScan.
Ericameria is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ericameria Species
Other Ericameria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ericameria ophitidis (J.T.Howell) G.L.Nesom, family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 68(2): 153 (1990): (1990)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Haplopappus bloomeri var. ophitidis, 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.
- Photo: Reidab, Grunt, 3247, Pumbaa, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- 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.
