Yellow Spiderflower
IOverview
Overview
Yellow Spiderflower (Cleome lutea) is a light-loving annual forb or herb that thrives in full sun and adapts to various soil types, from dry to moist conditions, with a preference for sandy or medium-textured soils. Native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa and Namibia, it has also naturalized in parts of North America including California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Mexico Northwest. Known for its edible leaves, shoots, and seeds, this plant can grow up to 1.2 meters tall and is hardy in zones 3-8. Its distinctive feature includes spider-like flowers that are yellow in color, making it a notable ornamental addition to gardens despite its primary use as an edible plant.
What is Yellow Spiderflower?
Yellow Spiderflower (Cleome lutea) is a light-loving annual forb or herb that thrives in full sun and adapts to various soil types, from dry to moist conditions, with a preference for sandy or medium-textured soils.
What is Yellow Spiderflower used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · traditional-use context
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · traditional-use context- Yellow Spiderflower has been traditionally used in South African herbal medicine to support digestive health, often prepared as a decoction. It is believed to aid in the relief of minor digestive discomfort.
The mechanism by which Yellow Spiderflower supports digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that interact with gut motility and reduce inflammation.
▲ ModerateDigestion → - Yellow Spiderflower has been traditionally used in topical applications to support skin health, particularly for minor irritations and wounds. It is often prepared as a poultice or infused oil.
The mechanism by which Yellow Spiderflower supports skin health is not fully characterised but may involve anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe the skin.
▲ ModerateTopical & skin →
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftVCultivation
Cultivation
How to grow Yellow Spiderflower for the first time
Start with Yellow Spiderflower as an easy-to-grow annual for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining and loose.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep and 30-45 cm apart, or start indoors 2-3 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist until germination. Thin seedlings to about 30 cm apart once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back the plant if it becomes leggy or after flowering to promote a bushier growth habit.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to deadhead spent flowers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
VIIDistribution
14 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 0 introducedIXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
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