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Description
Loeseliastrum Matthewsii, also known as Matthews’ desert trumpet, is a perennial shrub native to the Sonoran Desert of Southern California and Arizona. This plant belongs to the family Polemoniaceae and is characterized by its trumpet-shaped pink to purplish-red flowers that bloom from March to May. The plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and 1 meter wide, making it a great choice for landscaping or gardening.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Loeseliastrum |
Appearance
Loeseliastrum Matthewsii has slender, light green leaves that are 2-4 cm long and 1-3 mm wide. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and bloom in clusters at the end of the stems. The petals are pink to purplish-red in color and are 1-2 cm long. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous seeds. The plant requires full sun to grow and can thrive in well-drained soil.
Care Guide
Loeseliastrum Matthewsii is a relatively low maintenance plant that requires moderate watering and fertilization. It prefers well-drained soil and should be planted in full sun. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.Water: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but care should be taken not to overwater as this can cause root rot.Fertilization: Loeseliastrum Matthewsii can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soils.Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to grow and will not thrive in shaded areas.Hardiness Zones: Loeseliastrum Matthewsii is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Loeseliastrum Matthewsii is relatively disease and pest-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
Habitat
Loeseliastrum Matthewsii is native to the Sonoran Desert of Southern California and Arizona. It is typically found in rocky or sandy soils in desert washes, canyons, and hillsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Loeseliastrum Matthewsii drought tolerant?
A: Yes, Loeseliastrum Matthewsii is drought tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.
Q: Can Loeseliastrum Matthewsii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it is planted in well-drained soil and receives full sun.
Q: How often should Loeseliastrum Matthewsii be fertilized?
A: The plant can be fertilized every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the blooming season for Loeseliastrum Matthewsii?
A: The plant blooms from March to May.
Related Plants
- Loeseliastrum schottii
- Loeseliastrum depressum
- Loeseliastrum matthewsii subsp. californicum
References
- “Loeseliastrum matthewsii.” Arizona State University. https://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/botany/plant_list.php?name=loeseliastrum+matthewsii
- “Loeseliastrum matthewsii.” USDA. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LOMA9
- “Loeseliastrum matthewsii (Polemoniaceae).” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Loeseliastrum+matthewsii
