Species Trailplant
lime-green foliage with green stems

Trailplant

Adenocaulon bicolor

Also Known As - Pathfinder,American Trail Plant
Trailplant (Adenocaulon bicolor) is a small, evergreen, herbaceous plant native to western North America. It grows to a height of 8-15 inches and has narrow glossy leaves which are often variegated in shades of green, yellow and white. The yellow flowers are clustered at the tips of the stems and are scattered throughout the growing season. Trailplant prefers partial shade and evenly moist soils, and it can be an attractive addition to a garden border. It spreads quickly, forming a dense mat. Trailplant is a good choice for groundcover in shaded sites, and is often used for erosion control on slopes areas or in areas with poor soils.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

White/Cream Flowers

Sun:

Shade

Soil:

Loam, Humus Enriched

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Trailplant (Adenocaulon bicolor) should be watered every 4-5 days when the soil is dry and the plant begins to look droopy. It does not need a large amount of water, so be careful not to over-water this species. Try to keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Water should be applied from the top of the soil to the bottom at the stem of the plant using 1-3 tablespoons of water for an average sized pot. The frequency of watering will depend on many factors like the size of the pot, the weather, and the type of potting mix.

sunlight

Trailplant (Adenocaulon bicolor) grows best in full sun, although some shade is tolerated. It is native to western North America and can be found in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, and Utah. It typically grows in dry, rocky areas at an elevation of 6100-7900 ft (1860-2400 m). In terms of how much sun, Trailplant should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day and should be shaded during the hottest parts of the day in summer. For optimal growth, Trailplant should be provided with full sun all year round. During the spring and summer months, Trailplant should be placed in a sunny area with plenty of direct sunlight. In the fall and winter months, it should still be placed in a sunny area, but with some protection from the cold and wind.

pruning

Trailplant (Adenocaulon bicolor) should be pruned in early spring, just as new shoots appear and as soon as the plant blooms in late summer. Pruning should be done lightly and at ground level. It's best to take off no more than 1 third of the foliage, otherwise the plant may not be able to survive. Doing so will encourage the new shoots to grow fuller and bushier. Pruning can also help keep the plant looking neat and tidy. Additionally, removing faded and dead flowers helps to reduce the risk of spreading fungal diseases.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Adenocaulon bicolor typically starts flowering in May.