Marshallia Caespitosa

Description

Marshallia Caespitosa, commonly known as White-flowered Barbara’s Buttons, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and South Carolina. This plant typically grows in wet savannas, flatwoods, bogs, and pocosins.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Marshallia Caespitosa grows up to 30-60 cm tall and forms a dense cluster of basal leaves. The leaves are oblong to lanceolate, with a length of 10-30 cm and a width of 2-6 cm. The stem is erect and unbranched, with a few linear leaves along its length. The plant produces white, daisy-like flowers with a diameter of 2-3 cm, blooming from August to October. The flowers are arranged in terminal clusters, with each cluster containing up to 20 flowers.

Care Guide

Marshallia Caespitosa prefers moist to wet soils, with a pH range of 4.5-6.5. It requires full to partial sun exposure and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C. Here are some care tips for growing Marshallia Caespitosa:

• Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix, rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: Provide full to partial sun exposure, preferably in the morning or late afternoon.
• Hardiness Zones: Marshallia Caespitosa is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Marshallia Caespitosa is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-drained soils. Here are some common pests and diseases that may affect this plant:

• Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soils, resulting in yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting.
• Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing curling and distortion of the leaves.
• Spider Mites: Tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and browning of the foliage.

Habitat

Marshallia Caespitosa is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in wet savannas, flatwoods, bogs, and pocosins. It prefers moist to wet soils and can tolerate occasional flooding. This plant provides food and habitat for a variety of insects and birds, including butterflies, bees, and finches.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Marshallia Caespitosa a good plant for landscaping?

A: Yes, Marshallia Caespitosa can be a great addition to any wetland or bog garden, providing year-round interest with its attractive foliage and white flowers.

Q: Does Marshallia Caespitosa require a lot of maintenance?

A: No, Marshallia Caespitosa is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, as long as its basic needs for water, sunlight, and soil are met.

Q: Can Marshallia Caespitosa be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Marshallia Caespitosa can be grown in large, deep containers filled with a well-draining soil mix, as long as they are kept consistently moist and receive enough sunlight.

Q: How can I propagate Marshallia Caespitosa?

A: Marshallia Caespitosa can be propagated by division in the spring or fall, by separating the clumps of roots and replanting them in a new location. It can also be propagated by seed, which should be sown in the fall in a cold frame or outdoors.

Related Plants

• Marshallia Grandiflora
• Marshallia Obovata
• Marshallia Tenuifolia
• Marshallia Trinervia

References

• “Marshallia Caespitosa.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MACA4
• “Marshallia Caespitosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m880
• “Marshallia Caespitosa.” North Carolina State University Extension. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/marshallia-caespitosa/