Contents
Description
Packera Paupercula, commonly known as Alpine Groundsel, is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Rocky Mountains region of North America and grows in alpine and subalpine meadows, rocky outcrops, and talus slopes. The plant produces basal leaves that are hairy and lobed, and yellow flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. It is a hardy plant that can withstand extreme weather conditions, making it a popular choice for rock gardens and high-altitude landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Packera |
Appearance
The Alpine Groundsel grows up to 10 inches in height and spreads up to 12 inches wide. It produces basal leaves that are hairy and lobed, with a length of 1-3 inches. The leaves are dark green in color and have a leathery texture. The yellow flowers of the plant are daisy-like and bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers have a diameter of ½ inch and grow in clusters at the top of the stems. The plant has a compact and mounded growth habit, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens and borders.
Care Guide
The Alpine Groundsel is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme weather conditions. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers moderate watering and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but it can benefit from a light application of slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate acidic soils but prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Alpine Groundsel is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by rust and leaf spot diseases. It can also be attacked by aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Alpine Groundsel is native to the Rocky Mountains region of North America and grows in alpine and subalpine meadows, rocky outcrops, and talus slopes. It is a hardy plant that can withstand extreme weather conditions and is commonly used in rock gardens and high-altitude landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Alpine Groundsel a good plant for rock gardens?
A: Yes, the Alpine Groundsel is an excellent choice for rock gardens due to its compact and mounded growth habit.
Q: Can the Alpine Groundsel tolerate extreme weather conditions?
A: Yes, the Alpine Groundsel is a hardy plant that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Q: What is the preferred soil type for the Alpine Groundsel?
A: The Alpine Groundsel prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Alpine Groundsel?
A: The Alpine Groundsel is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Related Plants
- Packera Aurea
- Packera Bernensis
- Packera Cana
- Packera Corrugata
- Packera Franciscana
References
- “Packera paupercula.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c545.
- “Packera paupercula.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/211254/.
- “Packera paupercula.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 June 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packera_paupercula.
