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Description
Stephanomeria Diegensis, commonly known as the San Diego wirelettuce, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to California and can be found in the southern part of the state, from San Diego to Santa Barbara. The plant grows up to 1 meter tall, with a basal rosette of leaves and a single stem that is covered in small, white hairs. The flowers are pink or purple and bloom from late summer to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Stephanomeria |
Appearance
Stephanomeria Diegensis has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a wavy margin and a rough texture. The stem is erect and branched, with small, white hairs covering its surface. The flowers are pink to purple, with five petals that are fused at the base to form a tube. They are clustered at the top of the stem and bloom from late summer to early fall.
Care Guide
Stephanomeria Diegensis is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to keep it healthy:
Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in sandy or clay soils.
Sunlight: Stephanomeria Diegensis prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stephanomeria Diegensis is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes white, powdery patches on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant is well-ventilated and not overcrowded. If the disease does occur, treat it with a fungicide.
Habitat
Stephanomeria Diegensis is native to California and can be found in the southern part of the state, from San Diego to Santa Barbara. It grows in a variety of habitats, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grasslands. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Stephanomeria Diegensis a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Stephanomeria Diegensis is a relatively easy plant to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can Stephanomeria Diegensis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: Can Stephanomeria Diegensis be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or fall.
Q: Does Stephanomeria Diegensis attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant attracts bees and butterflies with its pink to purple flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Stephanomeria Diegensis:
- Stephanomeria exigua
- Stephanomeria pauciflora
- Stephanomeria tenuifolia
- Stephanomeria virgata
References
- Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation. [web application]. 2021. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Available: https://www.calflora.org/ (Accessed: Aug 10, 2021)
- Stephanomeria diegensis. (2021). In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/steieg/all.html (Accessed: Aug 10, 2021)
- Stephanomeria diegensis. (2021). In: Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora, [Online]. Available: https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=83473 (Accessed: Aug 10, 2021)
