California Black-Kelp Plant Care
Scoliopus bigelovii Torr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Scoliopus bigelovii is a species of flowering plant in the lily family (Liliaceae) known by several common names, including California fetid adderstongue, Bigelow's adderstongue, slinkpod, and brownies. It is native to California, where it is known from the Santa Cruz Mountains, parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, and North Coast Ranges.
Shade to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for California Black-Kelp?
California Black-Kelp grows best in shade to partial shade.
Where Is the California Black-Kelp Native To?
What Is the California Black-Kelp?
California Black-Kelp (Scoliopus bigelovii) belongs to the Liliaceae family within the Scoliopus genus. California Black-Kelp is native to California. California Black-Kelp is also known as Bigelow's Scoliopus.
California Black-Kelp displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . California Black-Kelp produces small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple or green.
What Light Does the California Black-Kelp Need?
California Black-Kelp thrives in shade to partial shade. Avoid placing California Black-Kelp in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Shade to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a California Black-Kelp?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for California Black-Kelp to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a California Black-Kelp?
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 California Black-Kelp?
California Black-Kelp can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hall's scoliopus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the California Black-Kelp Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list California Black-Kelp, 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 California Black-Kelp?
California Black-Kelp is susceptible to snails, slugs. 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.
Keep exploring plants
California Black-Kelp 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 Scoliopus genus — compare its care with other Scoliopus species on PlantoScan.
Scoliopus is part of the Liliaceae plant family — browse all Liliaceae genera and species.
California Black-Kelp copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Scoliopus bigelovii Torr., family Liliaceae (first published in Pacif. Railr. Rep. Whipple, Bot. 4(5; 4): 145 (1857)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list California Black-Kelp, 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.
- 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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