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Description
Leontodon Hispidus, commonly known as rough hawkbit or hairy hawkbit, is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and can reach a height of 30-60 cm. The plant has a long, single stem that bears yellow flowers with toothed petals that bloom from June to September. It is commonly found in meadows, pastures, and roadsides.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Leontodon |
Appearance
Leontodon Hispidus has a long, single stem that grows up to 60 cm tall. The stem is hairy and has a milky sap. The leaves are basal, deeply lobed, and grow up to 20 cm long. The upper leaves are smaller and have toothed edges. The plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from June to September. Each flower head is about 2 cm in diameter and has toothed petals.
Care Guide
Leontodon Hispidus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Here are some care tips:
Water: Water the plant regularly but do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Leontodon Hispidus can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Leontodon Hispidus is a relatively pest-free plant, but it can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. It can also be affected by powdery mildew and rust. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that suck the sap from the plant. They can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. Use insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be prevented by keeping the plant well-ventilated and avoiding overhead watering.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves. It can be prevented by keeping the plant well-ventilated and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Leontodon Hispidus is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America. It can be found in meadows, pastures, and roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Leontodon Hispidus a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Leontodon Hispidus is a perennial plant.
Q: What is the best soil pH for Leontodon Hispidus?
A: Leontodon Hispidus prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Q: What is the blooming period of Leontodon Hispidus?
A: Leontodon Hispidus blooms from June to September.
Q: Where is Leontodon Hispidus native to?
A: Leontodon Hispidus is native to Europe and Asia.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Leontodon Hispidus:
- Leontodon autumnalis
- Leontodon saxatilis
- Leontodon taraxacoides
- Leontodon xanthochlorus
References
- “Leontodon hispidus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 7 June 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d157
- “Leontodon hispidus.” PlantNet. Accessed 7 June 2021. https://www.plantnet.org/publications/pnhp/2-2-2a-2e.html
- “Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus).” Minnesota Wildflowers. Accessed 7 June 2021. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/rough-hawkbit
