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Description
Arabis Planisiliqua is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is also known as the Appalachian rockcress or smooth rockcress. This plant is native to the eastern United States and can be found growing in rocky areas, cliffs, and slopes. Arabis Planisiliqua is a perennial plant that grows up to 30 cm in height and 60 cm in width. It produces fragrant white flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Arabis |
Appearance
Arabis Planisiliqua has a mounding habit with a dense mat of evergreen leaves. The leaves are oblong to lance-shaped with a toothed margin and a shiny green surface. The plant produces numerous stems that are covered with short hairs. The flowers are white, four-petaled, and bloom in clusters at the top of the stems. The flowers are followed by elongated seed pods that contain numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Arabis Planisiliqua is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some guidelines for taking care of this plant:
- Water: Arabis Planisiliqua prefers well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: Arabis Planisiliqua prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.
- Sunlight: This plant requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
- Hardiness Zones: Arabis Planisiliqua is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Arabis Planisiliqua is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can chew on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing damage. Use slug and snail bait or handpick them to control their population.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot, which can lead to wilting, yellowing leaves, and plant death. Avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Arabis Planisiliqua is native to the eastern United States, where it can be found growing in rocky areas, cliffs, and slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. This plant is adapted to dry, rocky habitats and is tolerant of drought and heat.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Arabis Planisiliqua a good ground cover plant?
A: Yes, Arabis Planisiliqua is a great ground cover plant. It forms a dense mat of evergreen leaves and produces fragrant white flowers in the spring.
Q: Does Arabis Planisiliqua require a lot of maintenance?
A: No, Arabis Planisiliqua is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It requires well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, and regular watering during the growing season.
Q: Can Arabis Planisiliqua tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Arabis Planisiliqua is tolerant of drought and can survive periods of dry weather. However, it prefers moist soil and may not thrive in extremely dry conditions.
Q: How often should I fertilize Arabis Planisiliqua?
A: Arabis Planisiliqua does not require frequent fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Related Plants
- Arabis pendula
- Arabis caucasica
- Arabis ferdinandi-coburgii
- Arabis alpina
References
- “Arabis Planisiliqua.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 2 June 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfinderdetails.aspx?kempercode=c790>.
- “Arabis Planisiliqua.” Plant Finder. Accessed 2 June 2021. <https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1181/appalachian-rockcress/>.
- “Arabis Planisiliqua.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 2 June 2021. <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/arabis-planisiliqua/>.
