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Description
Phacelurus Latifolius, commonly known as the broadleaf phacelia, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to western North America and has been naturalized in parts of Europe. This plant can grow up to a height of 1 meter and can spread up to 60 centimeters. It has a bushy appearance with stems that are covered in soft hairs.The broadleaf phacelia produces beautiful, fragrant flowers that are blue-purple in color and have a bell-shaped structure. These flowers grow in clusters on top of the stem and are about 1 cm in diameter. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, attracting a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Phacelurus |
| Species | Phacelurus latifolius |
Appearance
The broadleaf phacelia has a bushy appearance with stems that are covered in soft hairs. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptical in shape, with a length of 4-10 cm and a width of 2-5 cm. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the lower surface is lighter in color and covered in fine hairs.The plant produces beautiful, fragrant flowers that are blue-purple in color and have a bell-shaped structure. These flowers grow in clusters on top of the stem and are about 1 cm in diameter. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
The broadleaf phacelia is a fairly easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:Water: The plant requires moderate watering. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization.Soil: The broadleaf phacelia prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The broadleaf phacelia is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common problems that can affect the plant include:Aphids: These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing distortion and curling of leaves.Spider mites: These pests are common in hot and dry conditions and can cause yellowing and browning of leaves.Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and can affect the plant’s growth and flowering.
Habitat
The broadleaf phacelia is native to western North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and forests. It prefers well-drained soil and can thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the broadleaf phacelia a good plant for attracting pollinators?A: Yes, the plant produces beautiful, fragrant flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.Q: Can the broadleaf phacelia grow in shade?A: The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.Q: How often should I water my broadleaf phacelia?A: The plant requires moderate watering. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.Q: Does the broadleaf phacelia require fertilization?A: The plant does not require fertilization.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to the broadleaf phacelia:- Phacelurus neomexicanus- Mertensia ciliata- Cryptantha intermedia- Erigeron speciosus- Eriogonum umbellatum
References
– “Phacelurus Latifolius.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=291013. Accessed 28 June 2021.- “Phacelurus Latifolius.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PHLA8. Accessed 28 June 2021.- “Phacelurus Latifolius.” PlantFiles, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1534/. Accessed 28 June 2021.
