Artillery plant - Pilea microphylla (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images, Control)

Artillery plant

Also known as: Artillery weed, Pistol plant

The artillery plant is often utilized as a groundcover or an ornamental in many landscapes. It's commonly named the "artillery plant" because the males generally produce pollen in an explosive way. It grows best in a humid environment in partial shade or indirect sunlight. It's a particularly popular plant in indoor rock gardens.

Scientific classification

Species

Artillery plant (Pilea microphylla)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

17 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1 mm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Pink, Green

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Artillery plant

Distribution of Artillery plant

Distribution Map

The plant known as artillery plant is native to Central and South America as well as the Caribbean islands. It has been introduced to various regions across Asia, Africa, and Oceania, as well as some parts of Europe and South America. Artillery plant thrives primarily in tropical and subtropical climates and has established itself as an invasive species in several introduced areas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waste places, hammocks, rocky woods, cultivated plots, masonry

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

A low-slung, warm-climate evergreen, the artillery plant is chosen by gardeners for its interesting fernlike rows of tiny leaves, its tolerance for shadier areas, and its dense growth, which crowds out weeds. It is most commonly used as a groundcover, but is also featured in rock gardens and planted to drape over the edges of stone walls.

Interesting Facts

Artillery plant has a slightly invasive nature, easily becoming a weed in warm areas. The plant spreads quickly, and it's quite tolerable to various conditions and habitats, such as cracks in driveways and walkways.

Name Story

Artillery clearweed||Artilleryweed||Artillery plant||Gunpowder plant||Rockweed: Artillery plant got its name from the ability to grow in rocks, walls, cracks in walkways and driveways, etc. It's also called Artilleryweed, Artillery plant, or Gunpowder plant. These names were derived from the plant's ability to forcefully send pollen from its flowers to the air, which can be easily observed by the naked eye.

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Weed Control

Artillery plant is native from Mexico to Brazil, often rooting in moist soil along walls and rocky places in USDA zones 11 to 12. This plant has been recorded as invasive in forty-six countries, including Brazil, India, Ecuador, China, and Micronesia. Male specimens expel seeds into the air, giving rise to the name "artillery plant." Dispersed by the wind, these seeds will spread quickly if given a chance to take root. Artillery plant can be controlled by using chemical herbicides, and mechanical removal of seedlings by hand is also effective.

How to Control It

The best time to remove artillery plant is during the early spring season, before the plant starts actively growing and spreading. Here are some methods to control or eliminate this weed:

Hand Pulling: This is the most organic way to control the growth of artillery plant. Make sure to pull out the entire root system to prevent re-growth. Watering the area before pulling can make this task easier.
Smothering: This method involves covering the area with a thick layer of organic material like straw, grass clippings, or wood chips. Leave it there for a couple of weeks. This will block the sunlight and the artillery plant will eventually die.
Solarization: This is a long-term, yet effective method of controlling artillery plant. Cover the area with a clear plastic sheet and secure the edges with rocks or soil. The greenhouse effect caused by the sun's heat will kill the artillery plant. This method works best during the hottest period of the year.
Vinegar Solution: Mix a strong concentration of vinegar with a small amount of dish soap. Spray it onto the artillery plant during the sunniest part of the day. The solution will burn the plant and cause it to die within a couple of days.
Planting Competitive Plants: Planting aggressive, fast-growing species around the artillery plant can help suppress its growth. The native plants will compete for resources and crowd out the artillery plant.

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Quickly Identify Artillery plant

Lush mat of bright green, ovoid to lanceolate leaves (0.5 inches / 1.27 cm) on spreading stems.

Low height rarely exceeding 12 inches (30 cm), suitable for clusters and dense vegetative layer.

Small, inconspicuous flowers (0.1 inches / 2-3 mm) in leaf axils, lacking scent, integral plant component.

Fleshy, lanceolate to spatulate leaves (0.6 - 1.2 cm / 0.24 - 0.47 inches) with succulent texture.

Simple vein pattern with central midrib, bright green color contributing to delicate appearance.

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Care Guide for Artillery plant

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Artillery plant thrives in high humidity and consistently moist environments, preferring evenly moist, well-drained soil. Water weekly to prevent waterlogging, and regularly mist to maintain humidity for its delicate foliage.

Propagation: Artillery plant is propagated easily via stem cuttings in spring or summer, with moderate difficulty. Successful propagation is indicated by new growth, and maintaining adequate humidity is essential for optimal results.

Repotting: Repot artillery plant every 2-3 years in early spring for optimal growth. Use slightly larger pots, provide bright indirect light, and maintain consistent soil moisture post-repotting. A well-draining pot supports its health as artillery plant requires no special care.

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Images of Artillery plant

Distribution of Artillery plant

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Artillery plant

Care Guide for Artillery plant

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