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Description
Palafoxia Texana, also known as the Texas Palafox, is a flowering plant that is native to Texas. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is known for its beautiful pink to purple flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are about 2 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Palafoxia |
Appearance
The Texas Palafox has beautiful pink to purple flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and have a yellow center. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are about 2 inches long. The leaves are a gray-green color and have a slightly hairy texture. The plant’s stem is also slightly hairy and can be either green or reddish-brown in color.
Care Guide
Water: The Texas Palafox prefers well-draining soil and should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season. It should be watered sparingly during the winter months.
Fertilization: The plant does not require heavy fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring.
Soil: The Texas Palafox prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but it is important that the soil is not waterlogged.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones: The Texas Palafox is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Texas Palafox is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites. Powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide, while spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The Texas Palafox is native to Texas and can be found in prairies, open woods, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Texas Palafox be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should the Texas Palafox be fertilized?
A: The plant does not require heavy fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring.
Q: What is the blooming period of the Texas Palafox?
A: The plant blooms from late summer to early fall.
Q: Is the Texas Palafox deer-resistant?
A: The plant is not deer-resistant and can be damaged by deer.
Related Plants
- Palafoxia Arida
- Palafoxia Hookeriana
- Palafoxia Integrifolia
- Palafoxia Linearis
References
- “Palafoxia Texana.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin.
- “Palafoxia Texana.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
- “Palafoxia.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
