Water
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Also known as Downy Mercury · Hairy Mercury
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Mercurialis tomentosa is a dioecious perennial herb native to the Mediterranean, known for its silvery-grey foliage and historical medicinal uses.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
70% intensity
Tolerates a range of light conditions.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
60% intensity
Reduce watering in winter.
Well-draining soil is essential. Adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or loamy, but dislikes waterlogged conditions.
50% intensity
Thrives in moderate temperatures.
70% intensity
Ideal range 15-25 °C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring.
30% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Prune lightly in early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and to maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce vigor.
Propagate by division of clumps in spring or by seed sown in autumn. Cuttings can also be taken in late spring.
Repot established plants in spring if they become root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix and a slightly larger container.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mercurialis Tomentosa (Mercurialis tomentosa)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Malpighiales |
| family | Euphorbiaceae |
| genus | Mercurialis |
| species | Mercurialis tomentosa |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data