
Photo: sarefoCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Narrowleaf Chinchweed Plant Care
Pectis angustifolia Torr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pectis angustifolia, the lemonscented cinchweed, is a summer blooming annual plant which is found in Western North America, generally from Nebraska and Colorado to Arizona and Mexico. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. Lemonscented cinchweed cannot grow in the shade. The plant is carminative and emetic. The crushed leaves have been used in the treatment of stomach aches.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Narrowleaf Chinchweed?
Plant Narrowleaf Chinchweed in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Narrowleaf Chinchweed Native To?
What Is the Narrowleaf Chinchweed?
Narrowleaf Chinchweed (Pectis angustifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Pectis genus. Narrowleaf Chinchweed is native to Western North America, generally from Nebraska and Colorado to Arizona and Mexico. Narrowleaf Chinchweed is also known as Narrowleaf Lemonweed, Lemonweed, Pectis angustifolia.
Narrowleaf Chinchweed displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Narrowleaf Chinchweed produces small daisy-like flowers in yellow or white.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Narrowleaf Chinchweed?
Water a young or newly planted Narrowleaf Chinchweed 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 Narrowleaf Chinchweed Need?
Narrowleaf Chinchweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Narrowleaf Chinchweed Prefer?
Pectis angustifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Narrowleaf Chinchweed prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Narrowleaf Chinchweed?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Narrowleaf Chinchweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Narrowleaf Chinchweed?
Feed Narrowleaf Chinchweed 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 Narrowleaf Chinchweed?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Narrowleaf Chinchweed 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 Narrowleaf Chinchweed?
Narrowleaf Chinchweed 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 Narrowleaf Chinchweed?
Prune Narrowleaf Chinchweed 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 Narrowleaf Chinchweed in Winter?
Narrowleaf Chinchweed 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 Narrowleaf Chinchweed?
Narrowleaf Chinchweed can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chigger weed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Narrowleaf Chinchweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Narrowleaf Chinchweed, 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 Narrowleaf Chinchweed?
Narrowleaf Chinchweed is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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 Narrowleaf Chinchweed Need?
Narrowleaf Chinchweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Narrowleaf Chinchweed is native to Western North America, generally from Nebraska and Colorado to Arizona and Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Narrowleaf Chinchweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Narrowleaf Chinchweed 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 Pectis genus — compare its care with other Pectis species on PlantoScan.
Pectis is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Narrowleaf Chinchweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pectis Species
Other Pectis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pectis angustifolia Torr., family Asteraceae (first published in Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York ii. (1828) 214.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Narrowleaf Chinchweed, 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: sarefo, 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.
