
Photo: Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. PickartPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Evax caulescens Plant Care
Hesperevax sparsiflora Greene
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hesperevax sparsiflora is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name erect dwarf cudweed. It is native to California and Oregon, where it grows in several habitat types including sandy coastal areas and the serpentine soils of inland hills. This is a small woolly annual herb reaching maximum heights under 18 centimeters. It has oval to rounded or scoop-shaped leaves on short petioles which vary in morphology across varieties. Small flower heads appear between the leaves. They contain greenish or whitish disc florets.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Evax caulescens?
Plant Evax caulescens in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Evax caulescens Native To?
What Is the Evax caulescens?
Evax caulescens (Hesperevax sparsiflora) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Hesperevax genus. Evax caulescens is native to California and Oregon. Evax caulescens is also known as Evax sparsiflora.
Evax caulescens displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Evax caulescens produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Evax caulescens?
Water a young or newly planted Evax caulescens every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Evax caulescens Need?
Evax caulescens thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Evax caulescens Prefer?
Hesperevax sparsiflora tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Evax caulescens prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Evax caulescens?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Evax caulescens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Evax caulescens?
Feed Evax caulescens 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 Evax caulescens?
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.
Evax caulescens 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 Evax caulescens?
Evax caulescens can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Evax caulescens?
Prune Evax caulescens 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 Evax caulescens in Winter?
Evax caulescens 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 Evax caulescens?
Evax caulescens can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to california dwarf chamise plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Evax caulescens Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Evax caulescens, 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 Evax caulescens?
Evax caulescens 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 Evax caulescens Need?
Evax caulescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Evax caulescens is native to California and Oregon. In cooler regions, grow Evax caulescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Evax caulescens 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 Hesperevax genus — compare its care with other Hesperevax species on PlantoScan.
Hesperevax is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Evax caulescens 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: Hesperevax sparsiflora Greene, family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Francisc. : 402 (1897)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Evax caulescens, 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: Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. Pickart, Public domain, 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.
