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Description
Cryptantha Angustifolia, commonly known as narrowleaf cryptantha or narrow-leaved cryptantha, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the western United States, specifically in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The plant can grow up to 50 cm tall and has long, narrow leaves that are covered in tiny hairs. Its flowers are small and white or pale pink, and they bloom from April to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Cryptantha |
| Species | Cryptantha Angustifolia |
Appearance
The narrowleaf cryptantha has a bushy and compact growth habit, and its stems are covered with stiff hairs. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 7 cm long and 5 mm wide. They are covered with tiny hairs and have a grayish-green color. The flowers are small, measuring around 3-4 mm in diameter, and they are white or pale pink in color. They bloom from April to June, and they are arranged in a cluster at the top of the stem.
Care Guide
To care for Cryptantha Angustifolia, you need to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: This plant prefers well-drained soil, and it should be watered regularly during the growing season. However, you should avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: You can fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer months.Soil: The narrowleaf cryptantha prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its quality.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun or partial shade, and it can tolerate hot and dry conditions.Hardiness Zones: Cryptantha Angustifolia can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The narrowleaf cryptantha is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, you should avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Cryptantha Angustifolia is native to dry and rocky areas, such as sagebrush flats, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and montane meadows. It can also be found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cryptantha Angustifolia a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, this plant can tolerate hot and dry conditions, making it a great choice for xeriscapes.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cryptantha Angustifolia?
A: You can fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer months.
Q: Can Cryptantha Angustifolia grow in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as you provide it with well-drained soil and regular watering.
Q: How do I propagate Cryptantha Angustifolia?
A: You can propagate this plant by seeds or by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cryptantha Angustifolia:
- Cryptantha Fendleri
- Cryptantha Flavoculata
- Cryptantha Micrantha
- Cryptantha Muricata
- Cryptantha Pterocarya
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CRAN2
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/idpmctn10620.pdf
- https://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/rock/plant/733.htm
