Photo: Walter SiegmundCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
American Saussurea Plant Care
Saussurea americana Eaton
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Saussurea americana is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name American saw-wort. It is native to northwestern North America from Alaska to far northern California to Montana, where it grows in mountain habitat, such as meadows and forests. It is a perennial herb producing one or more hairy, glandular, erect stems up to a meter tall or more from a thick caudex. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 15 centimeters long and have toothed edges, especially the larger lower leaves. The inflorescence is a cluster of several flower heads, each a bullet-shaped body covered in purple or purple-tinged green phyllaries. The head opens at the tip to bloom with several white to purple tubular disc florets; there are no ray florets. The fruit is an achene tipped with a pappus, the whole unit sometimes exceeding a centimeter in length.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for American Saussurea?
Water American Saussurea every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the American Saussurea Native To?
What Is the American Saussurea?
American Saussurea (Saussurea americana) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Saussurea genus. American Saussurea is native to northwestern North America from Alaska to far northern California to Montana. American Saussurea is also known as Theodorea americana.
American Saussurea displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. American Saussurea produces large, showy purple composite flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a American Saussurea?
Saussurea americana requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the American Saussurea Need?
American Saussurea thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the American Saussurea Prefer?
Saussurea americana grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. American Saussurea prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American Saussurea?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for American Saussurea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a American Saussurea?
Feed American Saussurea every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a American Saussurea?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a American Saussurea?
American Saussurea can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine saw-wort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the American Saussurea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list American Saussurea, 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 American Saussurea?
American Saussurea is susceptible to aphids, 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 American Saussurea Need?
American Saussurea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. American Saussurea is native to northwestern North America from Alaska to far northern California to Montana. In cooler regions, grow American Saussurea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
American Saussurea 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 Saussurea genus — compare its care with other Saussurea species on PlantoScan.
Saussurea is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
American Saussurea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Saussurea Species
Other Saussurea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Saussurea americana Eaton, family Asteraceae (first published in Bot. Gaz. 6: 283 (1881)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list American Saussurea, 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.
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