Adenocarpus viscosus
Care, watering, light and tips for Adenocarpus viscosus on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Adenocarpus viscosus
Adenocarpus viscosus, commonly known as Codeso del Pico, is an evergreen shrub endemic to the Canary Islands, prized for its showy yellow blooms that appear in spring and summer. Its branches are covered in a sticky resin, hence its name 'viscosus', and its leaves are small and trifoliate. It is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, rockeries, or as part of a xerophytic landscape, adding a wild and flowery touch.
Native range
Canary Islands, Spain
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure and well-drained soil, preferably sandy or volcanic, adapting well to nutrient-poor conditions. Watering should be infrequent once established, as it tolerates long periods of drought; overwatering is its main enemy. It is resistant to wind and coastal conditions but sensitive to intense frosts. Avoid heavy, clayey soils that retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Adenocarpus viscosus
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or massive leaf drop, soft or dry stems.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture; if waterlogged, carefully remove excess. If dry, water lightly.
- What kills it
- Prolonged waterlogging is lethal; also overwatering in winter or lack of drainage.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and the cause is corrected promptly.