Photo: Unknown author Unknown authorPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Tetradymia glabrata Plant Care
Tetradymia glabrata Torr. & A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tetradymia glabrata is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common name littleleaf horsebrush. It is native to the western United States, especially the Great Basin and Mojave Desert. Its habitat includes sagebrush, woodlands, and scrub. It is an erect, bushy shrub growing to a maximum height over one meter, its stems coated unevenly in white woolly fibers with many bare strips. The narrow, pointed leaves are usually no more than a centimeter long and most occur in clusters along the branches. The inflorescence bears up to seven flower heads which are each enveloped in four woolly phyllaries. Each head contains four yellow cream flowers each around a centimeter long. The fruit is a hairy, ribbed achene with a pappus of bristles.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–85°F
20–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Tetradymia glabrata?
Plant Tetradymia glabrata in full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 14–21 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C).
What Is the Tetradymia glabrata?
Tetradymia glabrata (Tetradymia glabrata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Tetradymia genus.
Tetradymia glabrata displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Tetradymia glabrata produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tetradymia glabrata?
Water a young or newly planted Tetradymia glabrata every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Tetradymia glabrata Need?
Tetradymia glabrata thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tetradymia glabrata Prefer?
Tetradymia glabrata tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Tetradymia glabrata prefers humidity levels of 20–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
20–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tetradymia glabrata?
Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Tetradymia glabrata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Tetradymia glabrata?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Tetradymia glabrata 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 Tetradymia glabrata?
Tetradymia glabrata can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Tetradymia glabrata?
Prune Tetradymia glabrata 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 Tetradymia glabrata in Winter?
Tetradymia glabrata 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 Tetradymia glabrata?
Tetradymia glabrata can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cottonbush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tetradymia glabrata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tetradymia glabrata, 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 Tetradymia glabrata?
Tetradymia glabrata 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 Tetradymia glabrata Need?
Tetradymia glabrata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Tetradymia glabrata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Tetradymia glabrata 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 Tetradymia genus — compare its care with other Tetradymia species on PlantoScan.
Tetradymia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Tetradymia glabrata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tetradymia Species
Other Tetradymia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tetradymia glabrata Torr. & A.Gray, family Asteraceae (first published in Pacif. Railr. Rep. Parke, Bot. ii. 122. I. 5 (1854)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tetradymia glabrata, 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: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain, 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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