Shepherd's Needle Plant Care
Scandix pecten-veneris L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Scandix pecten-veneris is a species of edible plant belonging to the family Apiaceae. It is native to Eurasia, but is known to occur elsewhere.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Shepherd's Needle?
Water Shepherd's Needle every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Shepherd's Needle?
Shepherd's Needle (Scandix pecten-veneris) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Scandix genus. Shepherd's Needle is native to Eurasia. Shepherd's Needle is also known as Venus' Comb, Combs.
Shepherd's Needle displays an upright, clumping herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Shepherd's Needle produces small white umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Shepherd's Needle?
Scandix pecten-veneris requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Shepherd's Needle Need?
Shepherd's Needle thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Shepherd's Needle Prefer?
Scandix pecten-veneris grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Shepherd's Needle prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Shepherd's Needle?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Shepherd's Needle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Shepherd's Needle?
Feed Shepherd's Needle 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 Shepherd's Needle?
Repot every 1-2 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 Shepherd's Needle?
Shepherd's Needle can be propagated through seeds, division.
Is the Shepherd's Needle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Shepherd's Needle, 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 Shepherd's Needle?
Shepherd's Needle is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, 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 Shepherd's Needle Need?
Shepherd's Needle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Shepherd's Needle is native to Eurasia. In cooler regions, grow Shepherd's Needle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Shepherd's Needle 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 Scandix genus — compare its care with other Scandix species on PlantoScan.
Scandix is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Shepherd's Needle 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: Scandix pecten-veneris L., family Apiaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 256 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Shepherd's Needle, 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.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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