Helichrysum ruderale
Helichrysum ruderale Hilliard & B.L.Burtt
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: weedy yellow everlasting (Eng.); geelsewejaaartjie (Afr.); umadotsheni (isiZulu)
Introduction
Helichrysum ruderale is a herbaceous flowering plant that completes its life cycle in two growing seasons. It brings life into sunny or semi-shade flowerbeds with showers of bright yellow flowers in spring.
Description
Description
Helichrysum ruderale is a biennial aromatic herb, growing up to 1 m tall, with a stout stem up to 10 mm thick at the base. The stem is unbranched (simple) below the flower cluster, glandular-hairy, and thinly covered in white wool on the upper parts and on the flowering branches. The plant is leafy throughout. Basal leaves are absent during flowering. Stem leaves are up to 180 × 65 mm, decreasing in size higher up. They are elliptic to lance-shaped, with an acute or pointed tip and a broad, clasping base. The uppermost leaves are long- or short-winged and glandular-hairy on both sides, with margins often edged with white wool. Flower heads are mixed (heterogamous), rounded, and 25–32 mm wide, surrounded by radiating bracts and glossy bright yellow. They form large clusters (corymbose panicles) with ascending branches. Flowering is in spring to early summer, between September and November.
Conservation Status
Status
The conservation status of Helichrysum ruderale is Least Concern (LC), according to the Red List of South African Plants. This means that the plant’s population is stable in the wild and it is currently at low risk of extinction.
Distribution and habitat
Distribution description
Helichrysum ruderale is endemic to South Africa and recorded exclusively in KwaZulu-Natal. It is widespread from the northern districts of Eshowe, Mtunzini and Umvoti to the Port Shepstone district in the south. This species thrives in the Grassland and Thicket biomes, commonly forming dense stands along roadsides and in abandoned fields.
Derivation of name and historical aspects
History
The genus name Helichrysum comes from the Greek words helios, which means ‘sun’ and chrysos which means ‘gold’, referring to the bright yellow flowers, which are one of the common features of this genus. The species name ruderale is derived from Latin and it means ‘ruderal’ or ‘growing among rubbish or on waste land’ which describes the habitat of the plant, which is often seen growing on disturbed land or in abandoned fields. Another word for ruderal is weedy.
Ecology
Ecology
Pollinating insects, especially, bees are drawn to the bright flowers of Helichrysum ruderale. The flowers also attract butterflies.
Uses
Use
Although there are no records of this species being used in traditional medicine, many helichrysums are used to treat infections affecting the skin, respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract and it is possible that it may be similarly used. Additionally, the plant has ornamental value, adding bright yellow colour in early summer.
Growing Helichrysum ruderale
Grow
Helichrysum ruderale can be successfully propagated by seed sown in spring or summer. The seeds do not require pre-treatment, they should be sown in a well-draining soil. Cover seeds lightly with the soil and keep the soil moist until they germinate.
Helichrysum ruderale is easy to grow and can be used as a bedding plant, and in mixed beds and borders. Grow in a sunny position.
References
- Du Preez, B. 2024. Observations of Helichrysum ruderale. iNaturalist. Online. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/253641682, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/252719908.
- Hilliard, O.M. 1977. Compositae in Natal. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.
- Pooley, E. 1998. A field guide to wild flowers of Kwazulu-Natal and the eastern region. Natal Flora Publications Trust, Durban.
- Raimondo, D., Von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. & Manyama, P.A. (eds) 2009. Red list of South African plants. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Credits
Itumeleng Machete and Funeka Mlangeni
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
March 2025
Acknowledgements: additional images by Brian du Preez.
Plant Attributes:
Plant Type: Bi/Annual
SA Distribution: KwaZulu-Natal
Soil type: Loam
Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer
PH: Acid, Neutral
Flower colour: Yellow
Aspect: Full Sun
Gardening skill: Easy
Special Features:





Horticultural zones



Rate this article
Article well written and informative
Rate this plant
Is this an interesting plant?
Login to add your Comment
Back to topNot registered yet? Click here to register.