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Description
Arabis Hirsuta is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and is commonly known as mountain rockcress. The plant can grow up to 30 cm in height and has a spreading habit. It produces clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in early spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Arabis |
Appearance
The Arabis Hirsuta has a low growing, spreading habit with a maximum height of 30 cm. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are hairy and toothed. The plant produces clusters of small, white flowers with four petals that bloom in early spring. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and have a sweet fragrance. After flowering, the plant produces long, thin seed pods that can reach up to 5 cm in length.
Care Guide
The Arabis Hirsuta is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant moderately during the growing season and avoid overwatering.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer months.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but does not grow well in deep shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Arabis Hirsuta is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can be controlled by using traps or baits, or by handpicking them off the plant.
- Black Spot: This fungal disease can be prevented by keeping the plant dry and removing infected leaves.
Habitat
The Arabis Hirsuta is native to Europe and Western Asia and is commonly found in rocky or stony areas. It can grow in a variety of soil types and is often found in open woodlands, meadows, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Arabis Hirsuta a perennial plant?
A: Yes, the Arabis Hirsuta is a herbaceous perennial plant.
Q: When does the Arabis Hirsuta bloom?
A: The plant blooms in early spring.
Q: Does the Arabis Hirsuta tolerate shade?
A: The plant can tolerate some shade but does not grow well in deep shade.
Q: Can the Arabis Hirsuta be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained.
Related Plants
- Arabis Alpina
- Arabis Blepharophylla
- Arabis Caerulea
- Arabis Falcata
- Arabis Glabra
References
- “Arabis hirsuta.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed January 21, 2022. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281567.
- “Arabis hirsuta (Mountain Rockcress).” Gardenia.net. Accessed January 21, 2022. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/arabis-hirsuta-mountain-rockcress.
- “Arabis hirsuta.” Plant Finder. Accessed January 21, 2022. https://www.perennials.com/plants/arabis-hirsuta.html.
