​Yellow Alder

​Turnera ulmifolia

• Common Name: Yellow Alder
  
• Scientific Name: Turnera angustifolia, Turnera ulmifolia
  
• Family Name: Passifloraceae
  
• Origin: Caribbean basin, Tropical and Subtropical AmericaHeight: 2 to 3 ft
  
• Width: 2 to 3 ft
  
• Growth: Moderate
  
• Zone: USDA Zones 9 through 11
  
• Light needs: Full sun to part shade.
  
• Salt tolerance: Low
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: Adaptable – tolerates a range of soil types and pH.
  
• Moisture: Moderate – water regularly until established
  
• Drought tolerance: Moderate
  
• Pests/Diseases: White flies are a common pest of this plant.
  
• Growing conditions: This adaptable plant can be planted in sunny or partly shady conditions. It is moderately drought tolerant and is overall a very low maintenance plant, growing in a variety of conditions. Freezing temperatures will cause the plant to die back but it with grow again in the spring. It can grow aggressively and may become weedy, so it may require cutting.
  
• Characteristics: This plant grows to form an open, leggy bush. Leaves are broad, ovate, and dark green with serrated edges, growing oppositely along the stem. Flowers are bright yellow with five round petals. Fruit and seeds are inconspicuous.
  
• Propagation: By seeds or by cuttings.
  
• Facts: It is used in herbal medicine for many different applications.
  
• Designer considerations: Looks best as a shrub border or mass planting where its bright yellow flowers can be displayed.

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Yellow Alder

Location

Butterfly Garden