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Description
Calopogon Tuberosus, also known as Grass Pink, is a wildflower native to eastern North America. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family and is a terrestrial orchid that blooms from May to July. This stunning wildflower has a unique structure that sets it apart from other orchids.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Calopogon |
Appearance
Calopogon Tuberosus has a single stem that can grow up to 20 inches tall. At the top of the stem, there is a cluster of pink or lavender flowers that are about 1 inch wide. Each flower has three sepals and three petals, with the lip of the flower being the most distinctive feature. The lip is shaped like a pouch and is white with a pink, yellow, or purple fringe.
Care Guide
If you want to grow Calopogon Tuberosus in your garden, here are some care tips to keep in mind:Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: Plant Calopogon Tuberosus in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: This wildflower prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight.Hardiness Zones: Calopogon Tuberosus grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calopogon Tuberosus is generally disease-resistant and not prone to pest infestations. However, snails and slugs may eat the leaves and flowers, so it’s important to keep your garden free of these pests.
Habitat
Calopogon Tuberosus is typically found in damp meadows, bogs, and wetlands. It prefers acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. This wildflower can grow in both full sun and partial shade, but it needs a lot of moisture to thrive.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Calopogon Tuberosus difficult to grow?A: While this wildflower has specific growing requirements, it is not particularly difficult to grow if you meet its needs.Q: Can Calopogon Tuberosus be grown in containers?A: Yes, Calopogon Tuberosus can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept moist and the container has drainage holes.Q: How often should I fertilize Calopogon Tuberosus?A: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Q: Can Calopogon Tuberosus be grown from seed?A: Yes, but it can be difficult to germinate the seeds. It’s usually easier to propagate Calopogon Tuberosus from bulbs or rhizomes.
Related Plants
Here are some other orchids that are related to Calopogon Tuberosus:- Cypripedium acaule (Pink Lady’s Slipper)- Platanthera ciliaris (Yellow Fringed Orchid)- Spiranthes odorata (Fragrant Ladies’ Tresses)
References
– Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Calopogon tuberosus. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CATU5- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Calopogon tuberosus. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/calopogon-tuberosus/- United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Plants profile for Calopogon tuberosus (grass-pink). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CATU5
