Smallhead Matchweed Plant Care

Smallhead Matchweed (Gutierrezia microcephala) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Gutierrezia genus. Smallhead Matchweed is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and can be found in arid grassland and desert sand dune habitats. Smallhead Matchweed is also known as Brachyris microcephala, Gutierrezia linoides, Gutierrezia lucida.

Smallhead Matchweed displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Smallhead Matchweed produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Smallhead Matchweed 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.

Smallhead Matchweed thrives in full sun.

Gutierrezia microcephala tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Smallhead Matchweed prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Smallhead Matchweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Smallhead Matchweed 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Smallhead Matchweed 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.

Smallhead Matchweed can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 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.

Prune Smallhead Matchweed 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.

Smallhead Matchweed 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.

Smallhead Matchweed can be propagated through seeds, division.

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Smallhead Matchweed 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.

Smallhead Matchweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Smallhead Matchweed is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and can be found in arid grassland and desert sand dune habitats. In cooler regions, grow Smallhead Matchweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.