Blepharizonia

Description

Blepharizonia is a genus of flowering plants in the aster family, Asteraceae. The name Blepharizonia is derived from the Greek words ‘blepharis’, meaning eyelash, and ‘zonia’, meaning belt, referring to the appearance of the flowers. The genus is native to the western United States and includes only two species.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Blepharizonia

Appearance

Blepharizonia plants are perennial herbs that grow up to 20 cm in height. The leaves are small and narrow, usually less than 2 cm long, and have a hairy texture. The flowers are small and white or pinkish in color, and have a yellow center. They bloom in summer and fall.

Care Guide

Blepharizonia plants are easy to care for and grow well in full sun to partial shade. They prefer well-draining soil that is moderately moist. Watering should be done regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Fertilizer can be applied every few weeks during the growing season. Blepharizonia plants are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Blepharizonia plants are generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, they may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Powdery mildew may also occur if the plants are grown in humid conditions.

Habitat

Blepharizonia plants are native to the western United States and can be found growing in dry and rocky habitats, such as hillsides and slopes. They are often found in chaparral and sagebrush communities.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Blepharizonia plants tolerate drought conditions?

A: Yes, Blepharizonia plants are drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.

Q: Do Blepharizonia plants attract pollinators?

A: Yes, the flowers of Blepharizonia plants attract bees and butterflies.

Q: Can Blepharizonia plants be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Blepharizonia plants can be grown in containers as long as they are provided with well-draining soil and regular watering.

Q: How often should Blepharizonia plants be fertilized?

A: Blepharizonia plants can be fertilized every few weeks during the growing season.

Related Plants

• Encelia
• Chrysothamnus
• Baccharis
• Artemisia

References

• Flora of North America: Blepharizonia
• The Jepson Manual: Blepharizonia
• USDA Plants Database: Blepharizonia