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Description
Phaeostigma Variifolium, commonly known as the “Red-stemmed Spurge,” is a perennial herb that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and prairies. This plant is known for its bright green foliage and striking red stems, which can grow up to 18 inches tall. It produces small green flowers in the summer, followed by seed pods that contain small black seeds. The plant is toxic and can cause skin irritation and eye damage if ingested or handled improperly.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Phaeostigma |
Appearance
Phaeostigma Variifolium has bright green, oval-shaped leaves that can grow up to 4 inches long. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and have a slightly serrated edge. The stem is bright red and can grow up to 18 inches tall. The plant produces small green flowers in the summer, which are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. Each flower is about 1/8 inch in diameter and has five petals. After flowering, the plant produces small seed pods that contain black seeds. The plant is toxic and can cause skin irritation and eye damage if ingested or handled improperly.
Care Guide
Phaeostigma Variifolium is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Phaeostigma Variifolium is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phaeostigma Variifolium is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves of the plant. Use a miticide to control them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. Use a fungicide to control it.- Crown rot: This disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Phaeostigma Variifolium is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and prairies. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. The plant is toxic and can cause skin irritation and eye damage if ingested or handled improperly.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phaeostigma Variifolium toxic?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic and can cause skin irritation and eye damage if ingested or handled improperly.
Q: What kind of soil does Phaeostigma Variifolium prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH.
Q: What are some common pests that can affect Phaeostigma Variifolium?
A: Spider mites and powdery mildew are common pests that can affect this plant.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Phaeostigma Variifolium?
A: The plant is hardy in zones 3-8.
Related Plants
– Euphorbia cyparissias (Cypress Spurge)- Euphorbia polychroma (Cushion Spurge)- Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge)- Euphorbia epithymoides (Cushion Spurge)
References
– “Phaeostigma Variifolium.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 27, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287673.- “Phaeostigma Variifolium.” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Accessed July 27, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/phaeostigma-variifolium/.
