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Description
Boechera Laevigata, also known as Smooth Rockcress, is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in rocky or gravelly areas, disturbed sites, and along roadsides. This plant is a biennial or short-lived perennial that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It produces basal leaves that are oblong to spatulate in shape and grow up to 30 cm long. The stem leaves are smaller and oblong to lanceolate in shape. The flowers are white or pale pink and bloom in clusters from May to July.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Boechera |
Appearance
Boechera Laevigata is a beautiful plant that can add color and texture to any garden. It has a basal rosette of oblong to spatulate leaves that are green and slightly hairy. The stem leaves are smaller and oblong to lanceolate in shape. The plant produces clusters of white or pale pink flowers that bloom from May to July. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and have four petals. The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and can spread up to 60 cm wide.
Care Guide
To ensure the healthy growth of Boechera Laevigata, follow these care tips:
Water: The plant requires moderate watering. Water it when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry.
Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilization. You can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil. You can add compost or organic matter to improve the soil quality.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its blooming.
Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Boechera Laevigata is a hardy plant that is not usually affected by pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, ensure proper air circulation and avoid overwatering. You can also apply fungicides if necessary.
Habitat
Boechera Laevigata is native to North America and can be found in rocky or gravelly areas, disturbed sites, and along roadsides. It can tolerate a variety of soils and can grow in full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can survive in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Boechera Laevigata grow in containers?
A: Yes, Boechera Laevigata can grow in containers. Ensure that the container has drainage holes and use well-draining soil.
Q: Can Boechera Laevigata tolerate drought?
A: Boechera Laevigata prefers moderate watering, but it can tolerate some drought. However, prolonged drought can affect its growth and blooming.
Q: Can Boechera Laevigata be propagated from seeds?
A: Yes, Boechera Laevigata can be propagated from seeds. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in the spring or fall.
Q: Can Boechera Laevigata attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Boechera Laevigata can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies with its clusters of flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Boechera Laevigata:
- Boechera stricta
- Boechera pulchra
- Boechera denticulata
- Boechera holboellii
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=bola4
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/boechera_laevigata.shtml
- https://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/plant/1339.htm
