Contents
Description
Lyperanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Melanthiaceae. It is native to North America and includes only one species, Lyperanthus suaveolens. This plant is commonly known as the pine barren gentian because it is found in the sandy soils of pine barrens, heathlands, and savannas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Melanthiaceae |
| Genus | Lyperanthus |
Appearance
Lyperanthus suaveolens is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has lance-shaped leaves that are up to 20 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The flowers are bell-shaped and range in color from pale pink to white. They bloom from late summer to early fall and are held on long, slender stems. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Water
Lyperanthus suaveolens prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water it deeply once a week during dry spells.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil
The plant prefers sandy, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Sunlight
Lyperanthus suaveolens prefers partial shade to full sun.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lyperanthus suaveolens is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Lyperanthus suaveolens is native to North America and is found in the sandy soils of pine barrens, heathlands, and savannas. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall can Lyperanthus suaveolens grow?
A: Lyperanthus suaveolens can grow up to 60 cm tall.
Q: What is the preferred soil pH for Lyperanthus suaveolens?
A: Lyperanthus suaveolens prefers sandy, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Q: What is the common name for Lyperanthus suaveolens?
A: The common name for Lyperanthus suaveolens is pine barren gentian.
Q: What is the blooming season for Lyperanthus suaveolens?
A: Lyperanthus suaveolens blooms from late summer to early fall.
Related Plants
- Helonias bullata
- Veratrum viride
- Trillium grandiflorum
- Chamaelirium luteum
References
- “Lyperanthus suaveolens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 10 June 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=n970>.
- “Lyperanthus suaveolens (L.) Klotzsch.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 10 June 2021. <http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:300321-2>.
