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Description
Sapium Lateriflorum, commonly known as Rock Spurge or Tallow Tree, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, and obovate in shape. The flowers are small and yellow-green in color, blooming in the late summer and early fall. The fruit produced by Sapium Lateriflorum is a three-lobed capsule that contains three seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Sapium |
Appearance
Sapium Lateriflorum has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other shrubs. The leaves are a bright green color and have a glossy texture. The stems of the plant are reddish-brown and have a smooth surface. The fruit produced by the plant is a bright yellow color and is very attractive. When the plant is in bloom, it produces small yellow-green flowers that are not very showy but add to the overall appearance of the plant.
Care Guide
Sapium Lateriflorum is a low maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Sapium Lateriflorum does not require much water and can tolerate periods of drought. However, it is important to keep the soil moist during the first growing season.- Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the early spring to promote growth.- Soil: Sapium Lateriflorum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: This shrub prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Sapium Lateriflorum is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sapium Lateriflorum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Sapium Lateriflorum is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, and disturbed areas. This plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sapium Lateriflorum poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of Sapium Lateriflorum are poisonous if ingested.
Q: How often should Sapium Lateriflorum be fertilized?
A: Sapium Lateriflorum only needs to be fertilized once a year in the early spring.
Q: Can Sapium Lateriflorum tolerate periods of drought?
A: Yes, Sapium Lateriflorum can tolerate periods of drought.
Q: What is the best time of year to prune Sapium Lateriflorum?
A: Sapium Lateriflorum should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Sapium Lateriflorum:- Sapium sebiferum (Chinese Tallow Tree)- Euphorbia polychroma (Cushion Spurge)- Euphorbia characias (Mediterranean Spurge)- Euphorbia lathyris (Caper Spurge)
References
– “Sapium Lateriflorum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b376.- “Sapium Lateriflorum.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SALA16.
