Carphochaete Bigelovii
Contents
Description
Carphochaete Bigelovii, also known as Bigelow’s carphochaete, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky soils and desert habitats. The plant produces a basal rosette of leaves that are covered in fine hairs and have a grayish-green color. In the spring, Carphochaete Bigelovii produces a tall, slender stem that can grow up to 3 feet tall and bears clusters of small, yellow flowers that bloom from April to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Carphochaete |
| Species | Bigelovii |
Appearance
The leaves of Carphochaete Bigelovii are lance-shaped, up to 8 inches long and 1 inch wide, and have smooth edges. The leaves are covered in fine hairs that give them a fuzzy texture and a grayish-green color. The stem of the plant is slender and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The stem bears clusters of small, yellow flowers that are about 1/4 inch wide and bloom from April to June. The flowers have five petals and are arranged in a flat-topped cluster at the top of the stem. The plant produces a taproot that can grow up to 2 feet deep, which helps it survive in arid environments.
Care Guide
Carphochaete Bigelovii is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth appears.
- Soil: Plant Carphochaete Bigelovii in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
- Sunlight: Plant the plant in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but thrives in sunny locations.
- Hardiness Zones: Carphochaete Bigelovii is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Carphochaete Bigelovii is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. Here are some common pests and diseases that may affect this plant:
- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can cause root rot, which can lead to plant death.
- Spider mites: These pests can infest the plant and cause damage to the leaves.
- Aphids: These pests can suck sap from the plant and cause stunting and distortion of the leaves.
Habitat
Carphochaete Bigelovii is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky soils and desert habitats. It can be found in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, as well as in the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico. This plant is adapted to arid environments and can survive in soils with low moisture content.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Carphochaete Bigelovii be grown indoors?
A: While Carphochaete Bigelovii can be grown in containers, it is best suited for outdoor growing in arid environments.
Q: Does Carphochaete Bigelovii require pruning?
A: Carphochaete Bigelovii does not require pruning. However, you can remove the spent flower heads to encourage more blooms.
Q: Is Carphochaete Bigelovii a good plant for xeriscaping?
A: Yes, Carphochaete Bigelovii is an excellent plant for xeriscaping because it is adapted to arid environments and requires minimal water.
Q: Can Carphochaete Bigelovii be propagated by division?
A: Yes, Carphochaete Bigelovii can be propagated by division in the spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
- Carphochaete Parryi
- Carphochaete Torreyana
- Encelia Farinosa
- Ericameria Laricifolia
References
- “Carphochaete Bigelovii.” Arizona State University. Accessed 20 September 2021. https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Carphochaete+bigelovii
- “Carphochaete Bigelovii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 20 September 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CABI
- “Bigelow’s Carphochaete.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 20 September 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CABI
