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Description
Cologania Biloba is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in dry, rocky areas. The plant has small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its leaves are compound and bilobed, giving the plant its name. The shrub can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide and has a spreading, open habit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Cologania |
Appearance
The Cologania Biloba shrub has an open, spreading habit and can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide. Its leaves are compound and bilobed, with each leaflet measuring about 1 inch long. The leaves are green and turn yellow in the fall before dropping. The shrub produces small, yellow flowers in the summer that are about 1/4 inch in diameter. The flowers are followed by small, brown seed pods that split open to reveal the seeds.
Care Guide
The Cologania Biloba shrub is easy to care for and can tolerate drought and poor soil. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The shrub is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering. Water deeply once a week during prolonged dry spells.
- Fertilization: The shrub does not require fertilization but can benefit from an application of balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The shrub can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including poor, rocky soil. It prefers well-draining soil that is not too rich.
- Sunlight: The shrub prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cologania Biloba shrub is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The shrub can also be affected by root rot if planted in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
The Cologania Biloba shrub is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can be found growing in dry, rocky areas, such as canyons, mesas, and arroyos. The shrub is adapted to hot, dry climates and can tolerate drought and poor soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Cologania Biloba shrub invasive?
A: No, the shrub is not considered invasive and is not known to spread aggressively.
Q: Can the Cologania Biloba shrub be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: When is the best time to prune the Cologania Biloba shrub?
A: The shrub can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Can the Cologania Biloba shrub be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the shrub can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the spring or early summer.
Related Plants
- Cologania angustifolia
- Cologania grandiflora
- Cologania hirsuta
- Cologania lindheimeri
References
- Arizona State University. (n.d.). Cologania biloba. Retrieved from https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Cologania&species=biloba
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Cologania biloba. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287420
- University of Arizona. (n.d.). Cologania biloba. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=COBI2
