Contents
Description
Amsinckia is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family, Boraginaceae. It is also known as fiddleneck due to the distinctive shape of its flower stalks. Amsinckia is native to North America, specifically the western part of the continent. The plant produces yellow to orange flowers with five petals and hairy leaves. It is an annual plant that can grow up to two feet tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Amsinckia |
Appearance
Amsinckia has yellow to orange flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers have five petals and are arranged on long, hairy stalks. The leaves of the plant are also hairy and can be up to three inches long. The plant can grow up to two feet tall and has a bushy, branching growth habit.
Care Guide
Amsinckia is an easy plant to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. When watering, it is best to water deeply and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Amsinckia does not require fertilization, but adding compost to the soil can improve its overall health. The plant is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Amsinckia is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites and aphids. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Amsinckia can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Amsinckia is native to North America and can be found in the western part of the continent. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and disturbed areas. The plant is often found in areas with dry soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Amsinckia an annual or perennial plant?
A: Amsinckia is an annual plant.
Q: Does Amsinckia require fertilization?
A: Amsinckia does not require fertilization, but adding compost to the soil can improve its overall health.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Amsinckia?
A: Amsinckia is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Amsinckia?
A: Amsinckia is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites and aphids. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Amsinckia can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Related Plants
- Borage (Borago officinalis)
- Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis)
- Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
- Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
References
- USDA Plants Database. (2021). Amsinckia. Retrieved from https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AMSI
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (2021). Fiddleneck. Retrieved from https://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/WEEDS/fiddleneck.html
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Amsinckia. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281239&isprofile=0&
