
Photo: Urgamal MagsarCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
False Scurvygrass Plant Care
Haloselinum falcaria (Turcz.) Pimenov
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its distinctive fleshy, triangular leaves. Originally from the Mediterranean region, it thrives in dry, rocky habitats. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it a sought-after addition to arid gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for False Scurvygrass?
Plant False Scurvygrass in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the False Scurvygrass Native To?
What Is the False Scurvygrass?
False Scurvygrass (Haloselinum falcaria) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Haloselinum genus. False Scurvygrass is native to central Asia. False Scurvygrass is also known as Halosela carica.
False Scurvygrass displays a low rosette, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. False Scurvygrass produces small clusters of white or pink flowers in umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a False Scurvygrass?
Water a young or newly planted False Scurvygrass 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 False Scurvygrass Need?
False Scurvygrass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the False Scurvygrass Prefer?
Haloselinum falcaria tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. False Scurvygrass prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a False Scurvygrass?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for False Scurvygrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a False Scurvygrass?
Feed False Scurvygrass 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 False Scurvygrass?
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.
False Scurvygrass 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 False Scurvygrass?
False Scurvygrass can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 False Scurvygrass?
Prune False Scurvygrass 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 False Scurvygrass in Winter?
False Scurvygrass 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 False Scurvygrass?
False Scurvygrass can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps.
Is the False Scurvygrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list False Scurvygrass, 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 False Scurvygrass?
False Scurvygrass 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 False Scurvygrass Need?
False Scurvygrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. False Scurvygrass is native to central Asia. In cooler regions, grow False Scurvygrass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
False Scurvygrass 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 Haloselinum genus — compare its care with other Haloselinum species on PlantoScan.
Haloselinum is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
False Scurvygrass 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: Haloselinum falcaria (Turcz.) Pimenov, family Apiaceae (first published in Umbelliferae Russia : 300 (2012)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list False Scurvygrass, 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: Urgamal Magsar, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — 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.
