Photo: Jerzy OpiołaCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Cudweed Plant Care
Gnaphalium norvegicum Retz.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gnaphalium norvegicum, also known as Norwegian cudweed, is a unique plant with small, silvery leaves that give off a fuzzy appearance. Originating from Scandinavia and northern Europe, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its ability to thrive in cooler climates and its distinctive foliage.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–70°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cudweed?
Water Cudweed every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cudweed Native To?
What Is the Cudweed?
Cudweed (Gnaphalium norvegicum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Gnaphalium genus. Cudweed is native to eastern Canada and Greenland, and widespread across much of Eurasia from the Mediterranean north to Finland and Iceland and east to Siberia. Cudweed is also known as Gamochaeta norvegica, Gnaphalium fuscatum, Gnaphalium fuscum.
Cudweed displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cudweed produces small yellow or white clustered flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cudweed?
Gnaphalium norvegicum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cudweed Need?
Cudweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cudweed Prefer?
Gnaphalium norvegicum grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Cudweed prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cudweed?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cudweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cudweed?
Feed Cudweed every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cudweed?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cudweed?
Cudweed can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marsh cudweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cudweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cudweed, 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 Cudweed?
Cudweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Cudweed Need?
Cudweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 2a – 6b. It survives winters down to planting zone 2a. Cudweed is native to eastern Canada and Greenland, and widespread across much of Eurasia from the Mediterranean north to Finland and Iceland and east to Siberia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 2a – 6b
Keep exploring plants
Cudweed 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 Gnaphalium genus — compare its care with other Gnaphalium species on PlantoScan.
Gnaphalium is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Cudweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Gnaphalium Species
Other Gnaphalium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Gnaphalium norvegicum Retz., family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Scand. Prodr. 156.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cudweed, 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: Jerzy Opioła, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 2a – 6b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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