Species Low Braya
white flowers with yellow center, green leaves and stems

Low Braya

Braya humilis subsp. humilis

Low Braya (Braya humilis subsp. humilis) is a small perennial herb native to western North America. It typically grows in meadows, rocky slopes, and dry open ground. Its simple, low-lying leaves, and small yet showy yellow-orange aster-type flowers have earned it the nickname "prairie freckles". Low braya roots are an important food source for many desert creatures, making it a keystone species in its ecosystems. It is highly drought-tolerant and readily regenerates in areas damaged by fire. Low Braya is also known for its medicinal properties, as its leaves and flowers have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. A hardy and beautiful plant, Low Braya is easy to grow and an excellent addition to any garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Prostrate Braya should be watered moderately, approximately once a month during the spring and summer to ensure growth and health. During the fall and winter, the watering should be slightly reduced, only giving the plant a light drink every 10 days or so. It is important to never let the soil become soggy or allow the plant to sit in water. Too much water will cause root rot and can kill the plant.

sunlight

Prostrate Braya (Braya glabella subsp. Prostrata) grows best when exposed to full sun, although it tolerates partial shade. This plant species prefers around 6-7 hours of direct sunlight each day, although they can survive on as little as 4 hours of daily sun. Prostrate Braya can even tolerate occasional periods of long days with up to 10 hours of sunlight per day. It is recommended to keep Prostrate Braya in direct sunlight during the morning or afternoon, as the intensity of the sun at those times is usually lower than in the middle of the day, and the plant can better tolerate the periods of intense sun exposure. Prostrate Braya should be kept in shade during the hottest parts of the day (late afternoon and early evening) to prevent sunburn or leaf scorch.

pruning

Prostrate Braya should be pruned once a year, in the late spring. This is when the plant is most actively growing. Pruning at this time will help to encourage more vigorous growth, and also manage the plant’s overall size and shape. When pruning Prostrate Braya, begin by removing any dead or damaged limbs. Then, use pruning shears or a sharp knife to selectively remove congested or tangled branches, as well as any branches that cross over 1 another. The amount of pruning should always be kept moderate, as too much pruning can cause a plant to respond by growing more vigorously in an unruly fashion. Prostrate Braya also benefits from the occasional tidying up of encroaching small branches from surrounding areas. This tidying-up should be kept to a minimum, as too much can shock the plant. Finally, care should always be taken to ensure that tools are clean, and that all pruning cuts are made at a slight angle, leaving a smooth cut surface.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.