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Description
Hosackia Crassifolia, commonly known as the thick-leaved lotus or ground lupine, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to western North America and is mainly found in California, Nevada, and Arizona. This plant typically grows up to 1.5 feet tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. It has a woody base and produces numerous stems that are covered with tiny hairs. The leaves are a distinct feature of this plant, and they are thick, fleshy, and have a gray-green color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Hosackia |
| Species: | Hosackia Crassifolia |
Appearance
The Hosackia Crassifolia plant produces numerous stems that are hairy and can grow up to 1.5 feet tall. It has unique leaves that are thick, fleshy, and gray-green in color. The leaves are pinnately compound and have five to seven leaflets. The flowers of this plant are small and yellow, and they bloom in clusters on the stem tip. The fruit produced by this plant is a flattened pod that contains one or two seeds.
Care Guide
Water
Hosackia Crassifolia prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization
Fertilize Hosackia Crassifolia with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Soil
Hosackia Crassifolia prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should be kept slightly moist.
Sunlight
Hosackia Crassifolia requires full sun to partial shade to grow well. It can tolerate some shade but will produce fewer flowers.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hosackia Crassifolia is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and thrips. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Habitat
Hosackia Crassifolia is native to western North America and is mainly found in California, Nevada, and Arizona. It grows in various habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and open forests.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hosackia Crassifolia an annual or perennial plant?
A: Hosackia Crassifolia is a perennial plant.
Q: What type of soil does Hosackia Crassifolia prefer?
A: Hosackia Crassifolia prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic and rich in organic matter.
Q: What are the common pests that affect Hosackia Crassifolia?
A: Hosackia Crassifolia can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and thrips.
Q: How often should I water Hosackia Crassifolia?
A: Hosackia Crassifolia prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.
Related Plants
- Hosackia crassifolia
- Hosackia crassipes
- Hosackia gracilis
- Hosackia oblongifolia
- Hosackia purshiana
References
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=4156
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=hocr4
- https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/77184/
