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Description
Hemizonia Congesta, commonly known as clustered tarweed, is a flowering plant native to California. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. This plant is an annual, meaning it completes its lifecycle in one growing season. It can reach a height of up to 3 feet and has a spread of about 2 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Hemizonia |
Appearance
Hemizonia Congesta has narrow, hairy leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long. Its stems are also hairy and can be branched or unbranched. The bright yellow flowers are small and daisy-like, with a diameter of about 1 inch. They are arranged in clusters at the tips of the stems and bloom from August to October. The entire plant has a strong, resinous odor.
Care Guide
Hemizonia Congesta is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep it healthy and thriving:- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive on minimal watering. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.- Fertilization: Hemizonia Congesta does not require fertilizer. In fact, excessive fertilization can cause it to grow too tall and floppy.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil with low to moderate fertility. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.- Sunlight: Hemizonia Congesta thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is native to California and is adapted to USDA hardiness zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hemizonia Congesta is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may occasionally be attacked by aphids or spider mites. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can also be a problem if the plant is overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Hemizonia Congesta is native to California and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and open woodlands. It is adapted to a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hemizonia Congesta poisonous?
A: No, Hemizonia Congesta is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can Hemizonia Congesta be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Hemizonia Congesta can be grown in a container as long as it has sufficient drainage and is not overwatered.
Q: How often should Hemizonia Congesta be watered?
A: Hemizonia Congesta is drought-tolerant and can survive on minimal watering. Water deeply only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Q: Does Hemizonia Congesta attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Hemizonia Congesta is an excellent source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Related Plants
– Hemizonia clementina (San Clemente tarweed)- Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzulifolia (hayfield tarweed)- Hemizonia fasciculata (California tarweed)- Hemizonia minthornii (Mintorn’s tarweed)
References
– “Hemizonia congesta.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed 13 September 2021. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/921–hemizonia-congesta.- “Hemizonia congesta.” Calflora. Accessed 13 September 2021. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=2342.
