
Photo: Walter SiegmundCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Nodding Microseris Plant Care
Microseris nutans (Hook.) Sch.Bip.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Microseris nutans is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name nodding microseris. It is native to western North America, including southwestern Canada and much of the western United States, including the Sierra Nevada in California, where it grows in many types of habitat.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Nodding Microseris?
Plant Nodding Microseris in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 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 Nodding Microseris Native To?
What Is the Nodding Microseris?
Nodding Microseris (Microseris nutans) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Microseris genus. Nodding Microseris is native to western North America, including southwestern Canada and much of the western United States, including the Sierra Nevada in California. Nodding Microseris is also known as Nodding Yam, Calais gracililoba, Calais major.
Nodding Microseris displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Nodding Microseris produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Nodding Microseris?
Water a young or newly planted Nodding Microseris 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Nodding Microseris Need?
Nodding Microseris thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Nodding Microseris Prefer?
Microseris nutans tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Nodding Microseris prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Nodding Microseris?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Nodding Microseris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Nodding Microseris?
Feed Nodding Microseris 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 Nodding Microseris?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Nodding Microseris 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 Nodding Microseris?
Nodding Microseris can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 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 Nodding Microseris?
Prune Nodding Microseris 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 Nodding Microseris in Winter?
Nodding Microseris 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 Nodding Microseris?
Nodding Microseris can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to jahresbericht der pollichia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Nodding Microseris Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Nodding Microseris, 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 Nodding Microseris?
Nodding Microseris 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 Nodding Microseris Need?
Nodding Microseris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Nodding Microseris is native to western North America, including southwestern Canada and much of the western United States, including the Sierra Nevada in California. In cooler regions, grow Nodding Microseris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Nodding Microseris 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 Microseris genus — compare its care with other Microseris species on PlantoScan.
Microseris is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Nodding Microseris thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Microseris Species
Other Microseris species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Microseris nutans (Hook.) Sch.Bip., family Asteraceae (first published in Jahresber. Pollichia 22-24: 309 (1866)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Nodding Microseris, 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: Walter Siegmund, CC BY-SA 3.0, 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.
