Calligonum caput-medusae

Calligonum caput-medusae

Native to:
China, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Polygonaceae
Genus:
Calligonum
Species:
Calligonum caput-medusae
USDA Symbol:
CACA84

Growth Characteristics

Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white, pink
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
small mammals, desert birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
7.0 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid desert regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from scarification followed by cold stratification. Germination can be erratic and improved with fluctuating temperatures.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI