Swamp Microseris (Microseris paludosa)

Photo: Bruce MarlinCC BY-SA 2.5via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped

Swamp Microseris Plant Care

Microseris paludosa (Greene) J.T.Howell

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Microseris paludosa is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common names marsh silverpuffs and marsh microseris. It is endemic to California, where it has a scattered distribution between southern Mendocino and northern San Luis Obispo Counties, mainly near the coast. Its habitat includes coastal scrub and grassland and coniferous forest.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Swamp Microseris?

Plant Swamp 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 Swamp Microseris Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Swamp Microseris?

Swamp Microseris (Microseris paludosa) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Microseris genus. Swamp Microseris is native to California. Swamp Microseris is also known as Microseris paludosa.

Swamp Microseris displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Swamp Microseris produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Swamp Microseris?

Water a young or newly planted Swamp 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 Swamp Microseris Need?

Swamp Microseris thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Swamp Microseris Prefer?

Microseris paludosa tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Swamp Microseris prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Swamp Microseris?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Swamp Microseris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Swamp Microseris?

Feed Swamp 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 Swamp 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.

Swamp 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 Swamp Microseris?

Swamp 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 Swamp Microseris?

Prune Swamp 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 Swamp Microseris in Winter?

Swamp 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 Swamp Microseris?

Swamp 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 Swamp Microseris Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Swamp 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 Swamp Microseris?

Swamp 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 Swamp Microseris Need?

Swamp Microseris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Swamp Microseris is native to California. In cooler regions, grow Swamp Microseris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Swamp 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.

Swamp 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 paludosa (Greene) J.T.Howell, family Asteraceae (first published in Leafl. W. Bot. 5: 108 (1948)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Swamp 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: Bruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 2.5, 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.

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