
Photo: Franz XaverCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Monpellier Hedgehog Plant Care
Hedypnois monspeliensis Willd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its delicate, silvery-green foliage that resembles fern fronds. Originating from the Mediterranean region, its unique appearance and drought tolerance make it a sought-after addition to collections for plant collectors looking for exotic species with unusual foliage.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Monpellier Hedgehog?
Water Monpellier Hedgehog 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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Monpellier Hedgehog Native To?
- Albania
- Algeria
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- France
- French Guiana
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Iran
- Israel
- Italy
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Malta
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Portugal
- Spain
- Suriname
- Syria
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- United States
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
What Is the Monpellier Hedgehog?
Monpellier Hedgehog (Hedypnois monspeliensis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Hedypnois genus. Monpellier Hedgehog is native to the Mediterranean Region and neighboring areas from Canary Islands to Iran, and naturalized in Australia and in parts of the Americas. Monpellier Hedgehog is also known as Hedypnois annua, Hedypnois coronopifolia, Hedypnois crepidiformis.
Monpellier Hedgehog displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Monpellier Hedgehog produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Monpellier Hedgehog?
Hedypnois monspeliensis 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 Monpellier Hedgehog Need?
Monpellier Hedgehog thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Monpellier Hedgehog Prefer?
Hedypnois monspeliensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Monpellier Hedgehog prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Monpellier Hedgehog?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Monpellier Hedgehog to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Monpellier Hedgehog?
Feed Monpellier Hedgehog 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 Monpellier Hedgehog?
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 Monpellier Hedgehog?
Monpellier Hedgehog can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.
Is the Monpellier Hedgehog Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Monpellier Hedgehog, 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 Monpellier Hedgehog?
Monpellier Hedgehog 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 Monpellier Hedgehog Need?
Monpellier Hedgehog grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Monpellier Hedgehog is native to the Mediterranean Region and neighboring areas from Canary Islands to Iran, and naturalized in Australia and in parts of the Americas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Monpellier Hedgehog 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 Hedypnois genus (family Asteraceae) — search all Hedypnois species in the plant lookup.
Monpellier Hedgehog 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: Hedypnois monspeliensis Willd., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl., ed. 4 , 3: 1616 (1803)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Monpellier Hedgehog, 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: Franz Xaver, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, 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.
