Fewflower Twistflower Plant Care

Streptanthus oliganthus Rollins

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Streptanthus oliganthus is an uncommon species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by the common name Masonic Mountain jewelflower. It is native to western Nevada and eastern California, where it grows in the rocky hills east of the central Sierra Nevada.

🌱Herbs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Fewflower Twistflower?

Plant Fewflower Twistflower 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 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Fewflower Twistflower Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Fewflower Twistflower?

Fewflower Twistflower (Streptanthus oliganthus) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Streptanthus genus. Fewflower Twistflower is native to western Nevada and eastern California. Fewflower Twistflower is also known as California Jewelflower.

Fewflower Twistflower displays an upright, branching growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Fewflower Twistflower produces small, tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Fewflower Twistflower?

Water a young or newly planted Fewflower Twistflower 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 Fewflower Twistflower Need?

Fewflower Twistflower thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fewflower Twistflower Prefer?

Streptanthus oliganthus tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Fewflower Twistflower prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fewflower Twistflower?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Fewflower Twistflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Fewflower Twistflower?

Feed Fewflower Twistflower 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 Fewflower Twistflower?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fewflower Twistflower 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 Fewflower Twistflower?

Fewflower Twistflower can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 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 Fewflower Twistflower?

Prune Fewflower Twistflower 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 Fewflower Twistflower in Winter?

Fewflower Twistflower 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 Fewflower Twistflower?

Fewflower Twistflower can be propagated through seeds.

Is the Fewflower Twistflower Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Fewflower Twistflower, 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 Fewflower Twistflower?

Fewflower Twistflower is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. 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 Fewflower Twistflower Need?

Fewflower Twistflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Fewflower Twistflower is native to western Nevada and eastern California. In cooler regions, grow Fewflower Twistflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Fewflower Twistflower 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 Streptanthus genus — compare its care with other Streptanthus species on PlantoScan.

Streptanthus is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.

Fewflower Twistflower 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: Streptanthus oliganthus Rollins, family Brassicaceae (first published in Contr. Dudley Herb. 3: 372 (1946)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fewflower Twistflower, 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 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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