Contents
Description
Sherardia Arvensis, also known as field madder, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is a short-lived perennial plant that has a prostrate or ascending growth habit. This plant species is native to Europe and western Asia and is naturalized in some parts of North America. The stems of Sherardia Arvensis are slender, square-shaped, and grow up to 30 cm in length. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate, and have a smooth surface. The flowers of Sherardia Arvensis are small, pink, and grow in clusters at the end of the stems.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Sherardia |
Appearance
Sherardia Arvensis is a small, herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm in length. The stems are square-shaped, slender, and have a green color. The leaves of Sherardia Arvensis are opposite, lanceolate, and have a smooth surface. They are arranged in pairs along the stem and have a length of 1-3 cm. The flowers of Sherardia Arvensis are small, pink, and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. They have a tubular shape and a diameter of 3-4 mm. The fruit of Sherardia Arvensis is a small, round capsule that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Sherardia Arvensis is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to take care of Sherardia Arvensis:- Water: Sherardia Arvensis requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Sherardia Arvensis does not require fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.- Soil: Sherardia Arvensis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0).- Sunlight: Sherardia Arvensis prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.- Hardiness Zones: Sherardia Arvensis can grow in USDA hardiness zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sherardia Arvensis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by the following:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of Sherardia Arvensis, causing them to wilt and curl. Control aphids by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves of Sherardia Arvensis. Control spider mites by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of Sherardia Arvensis. Control powdery mildew by improving air circulation around the plant and using a fungicidal spray.
Habitat
Sherardia Arvensis is native to Europe and western Asia and is naturalized in some parts of North America. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including fields, meadows, pastures, roadsides, and waste places. Sherardia Arvensis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sherardia Arvensis an invasive species?A: No, Sherardia Arvensis is not considered an invasive species.Q: Can Sherardia Arvensis grow in shade?A: Sherardia Arvensis prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.Q: How often should I water Sherardia Arvensis?A: Water Sherardia Arvensis when the soil is dry to the touch. It requires moderate watering.Q: Does Sherardia Arvensis require fertilization?A: Sherardia Arvensis does not require fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Sherardia Arvensis:- Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff)- Galium verum (Lady’s Bedstraw)- Galium aparine (Cleavers)- Asperula odorata (Sweet Woodruff)
References
– “Sherardia arvensis (L.) Ehrend. & Polatschek.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 8 August 2021.- “Sherardia arvensis (L.) Ehrend. & Polatschek.” The Plant List. Accessed 8 August 2021.- “Sherardia arvensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 8 August 2021.
