False Oxtongue: A Humble Wildflower with a Quirky Name
Meet Blumea, better known by its charmingly odd common name, false oxtongue. Don’t let the unusual moniker put you off – this modest little wildflower has been quietly making itself at home in warm climates across the United States, particularly in Florida and Hawaii. While it might not win any beauty contests, false oxtongue brings its own understated appeal to gardens and naturalized areas.
What Is False Oxtongue?
False oxtongue (Blumea) is a biennial plant that completes its life cycle over two years. Originally native to the Pacific Basin region, this adaptable little plant has established itself in various warm-climate locations where it reproduces on its own without human intervention. You’ll find it growing wild in Florida, Hawaii, and even as far as Palau.
The plant produces small, daisy-like flowers that add a delicate touch to any landscape. While not a showstopper, false oxtongue has a quiet charm that works well in informal garden settings.
Geographic Distribution
Currently, false oxtongue has naturalized in Florida and Hawaii within the United States, and can also be found in Palau. Its ability to establish and persist in these diverse locations speaks to its adaptability and resilience.
Should You Grow False Oxtongue?
Here’s where things get interesting. False oxtongue is what we call a non-native species in most of the United States – it didn’t originally grow here but has made itself quite comfortable. Before deciding to add it to your garden, consider these factors:
Potential Benefits:
- Low maintenance once established
- Attracts small pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Drought tolerant
- Works well in naturalized, informal settings
- Self-seeds readily for continuous coverage
Things to Consider:
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as native plants
- May self-seed more than desired
- Modest ornamental value compared to showier alternatives
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking to support local ecosystems and wildlife, consider these native alternatives that offer similar growing conditions and benefits:
- Native asters for similar daisy-like flowers
- Local wildflower mixes suited to your region
- Native groundcovers that provide habitat for local wildlife
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to grow false oxtongue, you’ll be pleased to know it’s quite forgiving. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, making it suitable for warmer climates.
Preferred Growing Conditions:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil (not picky about soil type)
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Maintenance: Very low maintenance
Planting and Care Tips
False oxtongue is refreshingly easy to grow:
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Space plants according to their mature size to allow for natural spreading
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency
- Deadhead spent flowers if you want to prevent excessive self-seeding
- Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want the plant to naturalize
The Bottom Line
False oxtongue might not be the star of your garden show, but it’s a reliable, low-maintenance plant that can fill spaces in informal landscapes. However, as conscientious gardeners, we encourage you to first explore native options that will better support your local ecosystem. If you do choose to grow false oxtongue, enjoy its modest charm while keeping an eye on its tendency to self-seed – a little management can go a long way in keeping it exactly where you want it.
Remember, the best garden is one that brings you joy while supporting the natural world around you. Whether that includes false oxtongue or its native cousins is entirely up to you!
