Contents
Description
Caulanthus Heterophyllus, commonly known as the mountain jewelflower, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a native of California and can be found growing in the Mojave Desert and Great Basin regions. The mountain jewelflower is an annual or biennial herb that can grow up to 80 cm tall. It has a single stem with alternate leaves that can vary in shape and size, from linear to lanceolate or elliptic. The flowers are yellow with four petals and are arranged in a raceme at the top of the stem. The fruit of the mountain jewelflower is a cylindrical silique, which can grow up to 5 cm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Caulanthus |
Appearance
The mountain jewelflower has a distinctive appearance with its yellow flowers and cylindrical silique fruits. The leaves of the plant can vary in shape and size, ranging from linear to lanceolate or elliptic. The stem is single and can grow up to 80 cm tall. The flowers are arranged in a raceme at the top of the stem and have four petals that are yellow in color. The fruit is a cylindrical silique that can grow up to 5 cm long and contains numerous seeds.
Care Guide
The mountain jewelflower is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It is important to provide the plant with adequate water and nutrients to ensure healthy growth. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.
Water
The mountain jewelflower requires moderate watering. It is important to water the plant regularly, but not to overwater it. The plant prefers well-drained soil, so make sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
The mountain jewelflower does not require heavy fertilization. Applying a slow-release fertilizer once a year should be sufficient to promote healthy growth.
Soil
The mountain jewelflower prefers well-draining soil. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but it is important to avoid soils that are too heavy or compacted.
Sunlight
The mountain jewelflower requires full sun exposure to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not grow as well in shady conditions.
Hardiness Zones
The mountain jewelflower can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The mountain jewelflower is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to aphids and whiteflies. It is important to monitor the plant for any signs of infestation and treat it promptly if necessary. The plant can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions.
Habitat
The mountain jewelflower is a native of California and can be found growing in the Mojave Desert and Great Basin regions. It prefers dry, rocky soils and can grow in a variety of habitats, including hillsides, canyons, and washes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the mountain jewelflower a perennial or annual plant?
A: The mountain jewelflower can be an annual or biennial plant.
Q: Where can I find the mountain jewelflower?
A: The mountain jewelflower is a native of California and can be found growing in the Mojave Desert and Great Basin regions.
Q: Does the mountain jewelflower require full sun exposure?
A: Yes, the mountain jewelflower requires full sun exposure to thrive.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the mountain jewelflower?
A: The mountain jewelflower can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.
Related Plants
- Caulanthus Amplexicaulis
- Caulanthus Cooperi
- Caulanthus Hallii
- Caulanthus Inflatus
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/caulanthus_heterophyllus.shtml
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAHE10
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Caulanthus+heterophyllus
