Leptosiphon Nuttallii

Description

Leptosiphon Nuttallii, commonly known as Nuttall’s leptosiphon or Nuttall’s linanthus, is a flowering plant found in the western United States, primarily in California and Oregon. It is a member of the Phlox family, Polemoniaceae, and is an annual herb that grows up to 30 cm tall. The plant has delicate, funnel-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink, lavender, or white, and bloom from May to August.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Ericales
Family	Polemoniaceae
Genus	Leptosiphon
Species	Leptosiphon Nuttallii

Appearance

Leptosiphon Nuttallii has thin stems with narrow leaves that are up to 2 cm long. The plant’s flowers are small, measuring about 1 cm in diameter, and have five petals that are fused at the base to form a tube-like shape. The petals are usually pink, lavender, or white, with a darker pink or purple center. The plant’s fruit is a small capsule that contains tiny seeds.

Care Guide

Leptosiphon Nuttallii is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged, and it requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant benefits from a light application of fertilizer once a month. It grows best in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a range of temperatures. Leptosiphon Nuttallii is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Leptosiphon Nuttallii is not typically affected by pests or diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Additionally, over-fertilization can lead to weak stems and a reduced number of flowers.

Habitat

Leptosiphon Nuttallii is native to California and Oregon and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and open woods. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Leptosiphon Nuttallii a perennial or an annual plant?

A: Leptosiphon Nuttallii is an annual plant.

Q: What is the best time to plant Leptosiphon Nuttallii?

A: Leptosiphon Nuttallii should be planted in the spring, after the last frost.

Q: Can Leptosiphon Nuttallii be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Leptosiphon Nuttallii can be grown in containers as long as they have good drainage.

Q: How often should Leptosiphon Nuttallii be watered?

A: Leptosiphon Nuttallii should be watered regularly during the growing season, but the soil should not be waterlogged.

Related Plants

• Leptosiphon Androsaceus
• Leptosiphon Bicolor
• Leptosiphon Californicus
• Leptosiphon Ciliatus
• Leptosiphon Grandiflorus

References

• “Leptosiphon Nuttallii.” Calflora. Accessed December 16, 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=4723.
• “Leptosiphon Nuttallii.” USDA. Accessed December 16, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LENU8.
• “Nuttall’s Leptosiphon.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed December 16, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LENUT.