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Description
Adenophyllum Speciosum, also known as Golden Crown, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of North America, particularly in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and it blooms from August to November. The Golden Crown produces bright yellow flowers that are 1-2 inches wide and have a sweet fragrance. Its leaves are narrow, gray-green, and covered with fine hairs, which protect the plant from water loss.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Adenophyllum |
| Species | Speciosum |
Appearance
The Golden Crown is a striking plant that can add a pop of color to any desert landscape. Its vibrant yellow flowers are the main attraction, and they contrast beautifully with the plant’s gray-green foliage. The flowers have a daisy-like appearance, with a central disk surrounded by 8-10 petals. They are held upright on sturdy stems and can last for several weeks. The Golden Crown’s leaves are long and narrow, and they grow in an alternating pattern along the stem. The leaves are covered in fine hairs that give them a fuzzy texture, which helps the plant retain moisture in dry conditions.
Care Guide
To keep your Golden Crown healthy and thriving, you need to provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The Golden Crown is drought-tolerant and can survive on little water. However, it will bloom more profusely if you water it regularly during the growing season. Water deeply but infrequently, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: The Golden Crown does not require much fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote growth and flowering.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. If your soil is heavy or clayey, you can amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The Golden Crown needs full sun to thrive. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow the Golden Crown in a container and bring it indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Golden Crown is relatively pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. The plant can also attract aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. If you notice any yellowing or wilting of the leaves, inspect the plant for signs of pests or diseases.
Habitat
The Golden Crown is native to arid regions of North America, where it grows in rocky, sandy, or gravelly soils. It can be found in desert washes, arroyos, and hillsides, where it provides food and shelter for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant is adapted to hot, dry conditions and can survive with little water.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Golden Crown?
A: Water deeply but infrequently, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. The frequency of watering depends on the climate and soil conditions. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water once a week. In cooler, moister weather, you can water less frequently.
Q: Can I grow the Golden Crown in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the Golden Crown in a container as long as it has good drainage and receives plenty of sunlight. Use a well-draining soil mix and water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: How do I propagate the Golden Crown?
A: You can propagate the Golden Crown from stem cuttings or by dividing the root ball. Take 3-4 inch cuttings in the spring or fall and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet and place the cuttings in a bright, warm location. They should root within a few weeks.
Q: Is the Golden Crown poisonous?
A: There is no evidence that the Golden Crown is toxic to humans or animals. However, the plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Handle the plant with gloves and wash your hands after touching it.
Related Plants
– Adenophyllum cooperi- Adenophyllum porophyllum- Adenophyllum wrightii- Ericameria nauseosa- Hymenoclea salsola- Gutierrezia sarothrae
References
– “Adenophyllum Speciosum.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. University of Texas at Austin, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2021.- “Adenophyllum Speciosum.” Arizona State University. School of Life Sciences, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2021.- Wiggins, Ira L. Flora of Baja California. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1980. Print.
