Contents
Description
Hilliardiella is a perennial plant native to North and South America. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, and its scientific name is Hilliardiella oligocephala. This genus was named after John Hilliard, a British botanist who specialized in the study of the Asteraceae family. Hilliardiella is a small herbaceous plant that produces yellow flowers that bloom from early summer to early fall. It is commonly found in meadows, prairies, and open woods.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Hilliardiella |
Appearance
Hilliardiella is a small, herbaceous plant with a height of about 12-18 inches. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow in a basal rosette. The leaves are green on top and slightly hairy on the underside. The yellow flowers are produced in small clusters, and each flowerhead contains about 6-12 ray flowers. The blooms are about 1 inch in diameter and have a slightly daisy-like appearance. The plant has a fibrous root system and spreads slowly over time.
Care Guide
- Water: Hilliardiella prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilization: Hilliardiella does not require a lot of fertilizer. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Soil: Hilliardiella grows best in loamy, well-drained soil. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0).
- Sunlight: Hilliardiella prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
- Hardiness Zones: Hilliardiella is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hilliardiella is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-drained soil. Common pests that may affect Hilliardiella include aphids and spider mites. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Hilliardiella is native to North and South America and can be found in meadows, prairies, and open woods. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Hilliardiella can be grown in gardens, rock gardens, and meadows.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Hilliardiella?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.
Q: What kind of soil does Hilliardiella prefer?
A: Hilliardiella grows best in loamy, well-drained soil. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0).
Q: What are some common pests that affect Hilliardiella?
A: Aphids and spider mites can be common pests that affect Hilliardiella.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Hilliardiella?
A: Hilliardiella is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
- Aster
- Black-eyed Susan
- Blanketflower
- Goldenrod
- Liatris
References
- “Hilliardiella oligocephala.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 21, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278574&isprofile=0&basic=Hilliardiella
- “Hilliardiella.” Plant Finder. Accessed August 21, 2021. https://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene7ba6.html?pageIndex=plantdetails&plantID=2329
- “Hilliardiella.” Plant Information Online. Accessed August 21, 2021. https://plantinfo.umn.edu/node/1434217
