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Description
Pilosella Caespitosa Subsp. Caespitosa, also known as the alpine hawkweed, is a herbaceous plant that is native to the mountains of Europe. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is a perennial plant that grows up to 10 cm tall. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are narrow, lance-shaped, and covered with fine hairs. The leaves can grow up to 10 cm long and 1 cm wide. The flowers are yellow to orange in color and are arranged in clusters at the end of a stem. The plant blooms from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Pilosella |
Appearance
The alpine hawkweed has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves can grow up to 10 cm long and 1 cm wide. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that can form a dense mat. The flowers are yellow to orange in color and are arranged in clusters at the end of a stem. The plant blooms from June to August. The plants are small, growing only up to 10 cm tall.
Care Guide
The alpine hawkweed prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The alpine hawkweed is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can be treated with a fungicide. The plant can also be affected by slugs and snails, which can be controlled with a slug and snail bait.
Habitat
The alpine hawkweed is native to the mountains of Europe and can be found in alpine meadows and rocky slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the alpine hawkweed a perennial or annual plant?
A: The alpine hawkweed is a perennial plant.
Q: Does the alpine hawkweed require frequent watering?
A: No, the alpine hawkweed is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering.
Q: What is the preferred soil pH for the alpine hawkweed?
A: The alpine hawkweed prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the alpine hawkweed?
A: The alpine hawkweed is hardy to USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
- Pilosella aurantiaca
- Pilosella officinarum
- Pilosella echioides
- Pilosella peleteriana
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/pilosella_caespitosa.shtml
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a293
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hawkweed/hawkweed-plant-care.htm
