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Marsh Cudweed (Gnaphalium uliginosum)

Marsh Cudweed (Gnaphalium uliginosum) is a small, annual herb found in damp, disturbed soils, often forming mats of grey-green foliage and tiny, inconspicuous flower heads.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist.

Soil

Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of poor, sandy, or clay soils, often found in disturbed areas.

Temperature

Grows best in moderate temperatures.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low fertilizer needs.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.

Adaptable to various light levels.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist.

Prefers damp conditions but avoid waterlogging.

Soil

Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of poor, sandy, or clay soils, often found in disturbed areas.

Temperature

Grows best in moderate temperatures.

Ideal range 15-25°C.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low fertilizer needs.

Does not require feeding in most conditions.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Foliage

Plant Place Type

Ground

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Annuals

Plant Height

0.05-0.2 m

Spread

0.1-0.3 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

None (annual)

Leaf Color

Grey-green

Leaf Type

Linear to oblong

Flower Size

2-3 mm

Weed Status

Yes

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths55
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MarPeak fruit · Apr
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths55
Synonyms
Dasyanthus uliginosus (L.) Bubani
Filaginella baicalensis (Kirp. & Kuprian.) Czerep.
Filaginella kasachstanica (Kirp. & Kuprian.) Tzvelev
Filaginella lasiocarpa (Ledeb.) Opiz
Filaginella malzii Opiz
Filaginella mandshurica (Kirp. & Kuprian.) Czerep.
Filaginella nuda Opiz
Filaginella tranzschelii (Kirp.) Holub
Filaginella uliginosa (L.) Opiz
Filago uliginosa (L.) Link
Gnaphalium aquaticum Mill.
Gnaphalium baicalense Kirp. & Kuprian.
Gnaphalium kasachstanicum Kirp. & Kuprian.
Gnaphalium laevissimum Schur
Gnaphalium mandshuricum Kirp. & Kuprian.
Gnaphalium nudum Hoffm. ex J.F.Gmel.
Gnaphalium ruricola H.S.Pak
Gnaphalium thomsonii Hook.f.
Gnaphalium tomentosum Hoffm. ex J.F.Gmel.
Gnaphalium tranzschelii Kirp.
Gnaphalodes evacinum Sond.
Helichrysum uliginosum Moench
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderAsterales
  • familyAsteraceae
  • genusGnaphalium
  • speciesGnaphalium uliginosum
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions as this can lead to root rot, but the plant thrives in damp environments.

No pruning is typically required. As an annual, it completes its life cycle and dies back. Remove spent plants if desired to prevent self-seeding in unwanted areas.

Self-seeds readily in suitable conditions. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly outdoors in early spring or autumn.

Not applicable as it is an annual plant that grows from seed and completes its life cycle within a single growing season.

FAQs

Is Marsh Cudweed a weed?

Yes, Gnaphalium uliginosum is often considered a weed, particularly in disturbed areas, lawns, and paths, due to its ability to colonize bare ground.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Marsh Cudweed?

It thrives in moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It is often found in damp, disturbed habitats and can tolerate poor soil conditions.

Does Marsh Cudweed need much care?

No, it is very easy to care for. As an annual, it requires minimal intervention and can even be left to self-seed in suitable damp locations.

When does Marsh Cudweed flower?

Marsh Cudweed typically flowers from summer through autumn, producing small, inconspicuous white to cream-colored flower heads.

Can Marsh Cudweed be used ornamentally?

It is generally not cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its small size and non-showy flowers. Its primary role is as a groundcover in damp, wilder areas.