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Description
Streptanthus Howellii, also known as Howell’s twistflower, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to California, specifically in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and can grow up to 1.5 feet tall. It has a basal rosette of leaves and erect stems that produce clusters of purple flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Streptanthus |
Appearance
Streptanthus Howellii has a basal rosette of leaves that can grow up to 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. The leaves are oblong and have a slightly toothed margin. The plant’s stems are erect, hairy, and can grow up to 1.5 feet tall. The stem produces clusters of purple flowers that are 1 inch long and have four petals. The flowers bloom from April to June.
Care Guide
Water
Streptanthus Howellii prefers to grow in moist soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
Streptanthus Howellii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight
This plant prefers partial shade to full sun.
Hardiness Zones
Streptanthus Howellii is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Streptanthus Howellii is susceptible to aphids, slugs, and snails. It can also be affected by powdery mildew and rust.
Habitat
Streptanthus Howellii is native to California and can be found growing in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It prefers to grow in moist areas, such as stream banks and meadows.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Streptanthus Howellii an invasive plant?
A: No, Streptanthus Howellii is not considered an invasive plant.
Q: Can Streptanthus Howellii grow in containers?
A: Yes, Streptanthus Howellii can grow in containers as long as the soil is moist and well-draining.
Q: How do I propagate Streptanthus Howellii?
A: Streptanthus Howellii can be propagated through seeds or by dividing the plant in the spring.
Q: Can Streptanthus Howellii tolerate drought?
A: No, Streptanthus Howellii prefers to grow in moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Related Plants
- Streptanthus barbiger
- Streptanthus bracteatus
- Streptanthus cordatus
- Streptanthus glandulosus
References
- “Streptanthus howellii.” Calflora.
- “Streptanthus howellii.” USDA Plants Database.
- “Howell’s Twistflower (Streptanthus howellii).” iNaturalist.
