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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Acourtia microcephala is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.4 m (4ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Perezia microcephala.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

A decoction of the plant has been used to bring about a very quick passage of the bowels[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a freely draining gritty soil, preferably of fairly low fertility, and a position in full sun[200]. Dislikes winter wet. Plants are not very hardy outdoors in Britain, though they should succeed in the milder areas of the country, especially if given the additional protection of a wall. They are hardy to about -10°c, so long as they are not too wet[257]. Excess moisture, especially in the winter, is the main cause of death.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse in a gritty well-drained compost, and only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, being careful not to over-water. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in the spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (California), Mexico (Baja)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Azara microphylla		Shrub	6.0	-	S	LMH	SN	M	1	0
Berberidopsis corallina	Coral Plant	Climber	5.0	7-10	M	LMH	FS	M	0	0	1
Idesia polycarpa	Idesia	Tree	12.0	4-8		LMH	SN	M	1	0
Xylosma japonica		Tree	25.0	7-10		LMH	SN	DM	1	1	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Acourtia microcephala - DC.