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Description
Eriastrum Wilcoxii, commonly known as Wilcox’s woollystar, is a beautiful wildflower native to the southwestern United States. It belongs to the family Polemoniaceae and is an annual or short-lived perennial plant that grows up to 60 cm in height. It is a rare species that is endemic to California and is mainly found in the San Joaquin Valley and adjacent foothills.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Eriastrum |
| Species | Eriastrum Wilcoxii |
Appearance
Eriastrum Wilcoxii has beautiful lavender-blue flowers that bloom from April to June. The flowers are 5-8 mm in diameter and have five petals that are fused at the base. The plant has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are 1-3 cm long and covered with fine white hairs, which gives it a woolly appearance. The stem is also covered with fine white hairs.
Care Guide
Eriastrum Wilcoxii is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. It prefers well-draining soil.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Eriastrum Wilcoxii prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eriastrum Wilcoxii is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites. Here are some common pests and diseases:
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and discoloration of the leaves. They can be treated with an insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Eriastrum Wilcoxii is endemic to California and is mainly found in the San Joaquin Valley and adjacent foothills. It grows in sandy or gravelly soil in grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eriastrum Wilcoxii a rare plant?
A: Yes, Eriastrum Wilcoxii is a rare plant that is endemic to California.
Q: What is the blooming period of Eriastrum Wilcoxii?
A: Eriastrum Wilcoxii blooms from April to June.
Q: Is Eriastrum Wilcoxii hard to grow?
A: No, Eriastrum Wilcoxii is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care.
Q: Does Eriastrum Wilcoxii need full sun?
A: Eriastrum Wilcoxii prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Related Plants
- Eriastrum diffusum
- Eriastrum eremicum
- Eriastrum harwoodii
- Eriastrum sapphirinum
- Eriastrum tracyi
References
- Baldwin, B. G. (2018). Eriastrum. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (Eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico (Vol. 7, pp. 181-193). New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Gilman, E. F. (2012). Eriastrum wilcoxii. University of Florida IFAS Extension. Retrieved from https://floridata.com/tracks/UF/eriwil.asp
- Wilken, D. H. (2018). Wildflowers of the San Joaquin Valley and the Surrounding Sierra Nevada (2nd ed.). Berkeley, CA: Heyday.
