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Description
Malvastrum Americanum, commonly known as the American Turk’s Cap, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family of Malvaceae. This plant is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including roadsides, fields, and meadows. It is an herbaceous perennial that can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide. The plant produces beautiful pink flowers that bloom from May to August, attracting birds, bees, and butterflies. The leaves of Malvastrum Americanum are green, and they are lobed and heart-shaped.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicots |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Malvastrum |
Appearance
Malvastrum Americanum is an attractive plant that can add color and texture to any garden. Its pink flowers are about two inches wide and have five petals. The flowers have a unique shape that resembles a turban, hence the name Turk’s Cap. The leaves of the plant are green and can be up to six inches long. They are heart-shaped and have three to five lobes. The stems of Malvastrum Americanum are reddish-brown and hairy.
Care Guide
To keep Malvastrum Americanum healthy and thriving, you need to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips to help you care for this plant:
Water: Malvastrum Americanum needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. You can apply the fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Soil: Malvastrum Americanum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow and bloom properly.
Hardiness Zones: Malvastrum Americanum is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like any other plant, Malvastrum Americanum is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some of the common problems you might encounter:
Pests: The plant is prone to attacks from aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. You can control these pests by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases: Malvastrum Americanum can suffer from fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. You can prevent these diseases by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Malvastrum Americanum is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including roadsides, fields, and meadows. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and needs regular watering during the growing season.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Malvastrum Americanum easy to grow?
A: Yes, Malvastrum Americanum is relatively easy to grow as long as you provide it with the right care. The plant needs regular watering, fertilization, and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize Malvastrum Americanum?
A: You can fertilize the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs.
Q: What are the common pests that attack Malvastrum Americanum?
A: The plant is prone to attacks from aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. You can control these pests by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Malvastrum Americanum?
A: Malvastrum Americanum is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Related Plants
- Malva Moschata
- Malva Sylvestris
- Malva Parviflora
- Malva Neglecta
References
- “Malvastrum Americanum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 9 July 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b561>.
- “Malvastrum Americanum (L.) A. Gray.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 9 July 2021. <https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MAAM3>.
- “Turks Cap.” NC State Extension. Accessed 9 July 2021. <https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/turks-cap>.
