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Description
Scorzonera Humilis, commonly known as Dwarf Scorzonera, is a plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm tall. The plant has yellow flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Scorzonera |
Appearance
Scorzonera Humilis has a small, tufted rosette of dark green, lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 15 cm long. The plant’s stems are slender and hairy, and it produces yellow flowers that are about 2.5 cm in diameter. The flowers have a daisy-like appearance and are borne on short stalks. The plant also produces small, brownish-black seeds that are oblong in shape.
Care Guide
Scorzonera Humilis is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Scorzonera Humilis prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring to encourage growth.- Soil: Scorzonera Humilis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect its growth and flowering.- Hardiness Zones: Scorzonera Humilis is a hardy plant that can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scorzonera Humilis is not highly susceptible to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:- Root rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the plant’s leaves and stems. To control aphids, spray the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Scorzonera Humilis is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It can grow in full sun to partial shade and is adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Scorzonera Humilis a perennial plant?
A: Yes, Scorzonera Humilis is a perennial herb that can live for several years.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Scorzonera Humilis?
A: Scorzonera Humilis prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Q: Can Scorzonera Humilis tolerate drought?
A: No, Scorzonera Humilis prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate prolonged periods of drought.
Q: How do you propagate Scorzonera Humilis?
A: The plant can be propagated by seed or division. To divide the plant, dig up the clump and carefully separate the roots into smaller sections.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Scorzonera Humilis:- Scorzonera hispanica (Black Salsify)- Scorzonera parviflora (Smallflower Scorzonera)- Scorzonera purpurea (Purple Scorzonera)
References
– “Scorzonera humilis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287498.- “Scorzonera humilis.” Plant Database, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=scho5.- “Scorzonera humilis.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/13536/scorzonera-humilis/details.
