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Description
Chaenactis Artemisiifolia, commonly known as the silver pincushion or silver chaenactis, is a small herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is native to western North America, particularly in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert regions. This plant can grow up to 30 cm tall and can spread 20 cm wide. It has a small, compact, and rounded shape, and its leaves and stems are covered with silver hairs. Its flowers are small and white, and they bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Chaenactis |
Appearance
The silver pincushion plant has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other plants. Its stem and leaves are covered in dense silver hairs, giving it a silvery-grey appearance. The leaves are deeply lobed and are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers are small, white, and daisy-like, with yellow centers. They are borne on short stems above the foliage and bloom from June to September. The plant has a small, compact, and rounded shape, growing up to 30 cm tall and spreading up to 20 cm wide.
Care Guide
The silver pincushion plant is easy to care for and can be grown in most gardens with minimal effort. Here are some tips to help you care for your silver chaenactis:
Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth.
Soil: The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. The pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight: The silver pincushion requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The silver pincushion plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. These issues can be resolved by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or fungicide.
Habitat
The silver pincushion plant is native to western North America, where it can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, dry washes, and desert scrub. It is commonly found in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert regions, where it grows in sandy or gravelly soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the silver pincushion plant drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, the silver pincushion is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.
Q: Can the plant tolerate frost?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate light frost.
Q: How often should I water my silver chaenactis?
A: Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Q: Can I grow the plant in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it has good drainage and receives full sun.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may be interested in:
- Chaenactis douglasii
- Chaenactis xantiana
- Chaenactis stevioides
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CHAR2
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CHAR2
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaenactis_artemisiifolia
