Contents
Description
Bartsia Alpina, also known as Alpine Bartsia or Northern Bartsia, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is a small perennial plant that grows up to 10 cm in height and has a clustered growth habit. The plant produces tiny, pale purple or white flowers that bloom from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Bartsia |
Appearance
The leaves of Bartsia Alpina are small, oval-shaped, and grow in opposite pairs on the stem. The stem is thin, hairy, and green or reddish-brown in color. The flowers are tubular-shaped and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. They have a pale purple or white color and are about 1 cm in length. The plant blooms from June to August and produces small, oval-shaped seeds.
Care Guide
Bartsia Alpina is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. The plant can tolerate cold temperatures and is hardy in zones 3 to 7.
Water: The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, but it does not tolerate waterlogged soil.
Fertilization: Bartsia Alpina does not require fertilization, but it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Bartsia Alpina grows best in partial shade to full sun exposure.
Hardiness Zones: Bartsia Alpina is hardy in zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bartsia Alpina is relatively pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, if grown in humid conditions or in poorly-draining soil. It may also attract aphids or spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Bartsia Alpina is native to the Arctic and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in alpine and subalpine meadows, on rocky slopes, and in wetlands. The plant can also be found in tundra habitats and at high elevations.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bartsia Alpina an invasive species?
A: No, Bartsia Alpina is not considered an invasive species. It is a native plant in its natural habitat.
Q: Does Bartsia Alpina attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Bartsia Alpina attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths.
Q: Can Bartsia Alpina be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Bartsia Alpina can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight.
Q: How long does Bartsia Alpina live?
A: Bartsia Alpina is a perennial plant that can live for several years if provided with proper care.
Related Plants
- Bartsia Alpina var. austriaca
- Bartsia Alpina var. grandiflora
- Bartsia Alpina var. alpina
- Bartsia Alpina var. minor
References
- “Bartsia Alpina.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, accessed 23 Sept. 2021, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:807874-1.
- “Bartsia Alpina.” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed 23 Sept. 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=w540.
- “Bartsia Alpina.” Gardenia.net, accessed 23 Sept. 2021, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/bartsia-alpina.
