Nuttall's Monolepis Plant Care
Monolepis nuttalliana (Schult.) Greene
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Blitum nuttallianum, is a species of flowering plant in the amaranth family known by the common names povertyweed and Nuttall's povertyweed. It is native to North America, where it is widespread and common from Alaska to Mexico to New England.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Nuttall's Monolepis?
Plant Nuttall's Monolepis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Nuttall's Monolepis Native To?
What Is the Nuttall's Monolepis?
Nuttall's Monolepis (Monolepis nuttalliana) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Monolepis genus. Nuttall's Monolepis is native to North America.
Nuttall's Monolepis displays a low-growing ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Nuttall's Monolepis produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Nuttall's Monolepis?
Water a young or newly planted Nuttall's Monolepis 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 Nuttall's Monolepis Need?
Nuttall's Monolepis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Nuttall's Monolepis Prefer?
Monolepis nuttalliana tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Nuttall's Monolepis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Nuttall's Monolepis?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Nuttall's Monolepis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Nuttall's Monolepis?
Feed Nuttall's Monolepis every 8 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 8 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 Nuttall's Monolepis?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Nuttall's Monolepis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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 Nuttall's Monolepis?
Nuttall's Monolepis 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 Nuttall's Monolepis?
Prune Nuttall's Monolepis 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 Nuttall's Monolepis in Winter?
Nuttall's Monolepis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). 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 Nuttall's Monolepis?
Nuttall's Monolepis can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Nuttall's Monolepis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Nuttall's Monolepis, 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 Nuttall's Monolepis?
Nuttall's Monolepis 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 Nuttall's Monolepis Need?
Nuttall's Monolepis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Nuttall's Monolepis is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow Nuttall's Monolepis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Nuttall's Monolepis 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 Monolepis genus — compare its care with other Monolepis species on PlantoScan.
Monolepis is part of the Amaranthaceae plant family — browse all Amaranthaceae genera and species.
Nuttall's Monolepis 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: Monolepis nuttalliana (Schult.) Greene, family Amaranthaceae (first published in Fl. Francisc. : 168 (1891)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Nuttall's Monolepis, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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.
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