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Description
Bebbia Juncea Var. Aspera, commonly known as the sweetbush or the sweet-scented bebbia, is a perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and it is renowned for its aromatic foliage.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Bebbia |
Appearance
The sweetbush typically grows up to 3-4 feet in height and width. It has a dense, bushy habit with slender, arching branches. The leaves are small, gray-green, and finely divided, giving the plant a feathery appearance. The sweetbush produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by tiny, brown achenes that are dispersed by wind.
Care Guide
Water: The sweetbush is drought-tolerant and requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.Fertilization: The sweetbush does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring, and supplement with a liquid fertilizer during the growing season.Soil: The sweetbush prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Amend heavy soils with organic matter to improve drainage.Sunlight: The sweetbush prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The sweetbush is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The sweetbush is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, regularly inspect the plant and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as necessary.
Habitat
The sweetbush is native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil. It is commonly found in dry washes, rocky slopes, and desert scrublands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the sweetbush deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the sweetbush is deer-resistant and is a good addition to gardens that are frequented by deer.Q: Can the sweetbush be pruned?
A: Yes, the sweetbush can be pruned in late winter to early spring to maintain its shape and size.Q: Can the sweetbush be propagated?
A: Yes, the sweetbush can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in late spring to early summer.Q: Is the sweetbush toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that the sweetbush is toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Bebbia juncea
- Bebbia heterophylla
- Bebbia californica
References
- Bebbia juncea. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BEJU
- Sweetbush. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Sweetbush.php
- Bebbia juncea. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetail.php?genus=Bebbia&species=juncea
