Contents
Description
Melampodium Cinereum, also known as Ashy Blackfoot, is a beautiful herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States and is widely grown for its stunning daisy-like flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.The Melampodium Cinereum is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of 6 to 12 inches and has a spread of 8 to 12 inches. The plant produces a dense clump of dark green leaves that are narrow and lance-shaped.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————–|————–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Anthophyta|| Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Asterales|| Family| Asteraceae|| Genus| Melampodium|
Appearance
The Melampodium Cinereum is a beautiful herbaceous perennial plant with stunning daisy-like flowers. The flowers are small, yellow, and have a dark center. They bloom in late spring to early summer and produce a beautiful display of color.The Melampodium Cinereum produces a dense clump of dark green leaves that are narrow and lance-shaped. The leaves grow up to 2 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. The plant has a compact growth habit and reaches a height of 6 to 12 inches and has a spread of 8 to 12 inches.
Care Guide
The Melampodium Cinereum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Plant Melampodium Cinereum in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Plant Melampodium Cinereum in full sun or partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Melampodium Cinereum is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect the Melampodium Cinereum:- Aphids: These pests can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powder-like substance to form on the leaves.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the roots to rot, leading to the death of the plant.
Habitat
The Melampodium Cinereum is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States and is commonly found in dry, rocky areas, and along roadsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Melampodium Cinereum a perennial or an annual plant?A: The Melampodium Cinereum is a perennial plant.Q: How often should I water my Melampodium Cinereum plant?A: Water the plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Q: What is the ideal soil type for the Melampodium Cinereum?A: Plant Melampodium Cinereum in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Melampodium Cinereum?A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Related Plants
– Melampodium leucanthum- Melampodium paludosum- Melampodium perfoliatum
References
– “Melampodium cinereum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 15, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h190.- “Melampodium cinereum.” PlantFiles. Accessed June 15, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/210122/.- “Melampodium cinereum.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Accessed June 15, 2021. https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/databases/interiorscape/Melampodium_cinereum.html.
