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Description
Chaenactis Stevioides, commonly known as the Desert Pincushion, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the arid regions of North America, specifically in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This plant is known for its unique appearance, which is characterized by its small, yellow flowers that resemble pincushions on top of a green, hairy stem. The Desert Pincushion is a hardy plant that thrives in harsh environments with little water and high temperatures. It is often used in xeriscaping, a type of landscaping that focuses on using drought-resistant plants to conserve water. This plant is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Chaenactis |
Appearance
The Desert Pincushion is a small plant that typically grows up to 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide. Its stem is green and hairy, and its leaves are grayish-green and covered in fine hairs. The plant produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that resemble pincushions, hence its common name. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and are about 1 inch in diameter. The Desert Pincushion is a visually appealing plant that adds a touch of color to any garden.
Care Guide
The Desert Pincushion is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:Water: The Desert Pincushion is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require much water. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering to once a month during the winter months.Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization, but you can give it a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.Soil: The Desert Pincushion prefers well-draining, sandy soil. If you have heavy soil, add some sand and organic matter to improve drainage.Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Desert Pincushion is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Desert Pincushion is a resilient plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites and aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can also be a problem if the soil is too wet, so make sure to avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Desert Pincushion is native to the arid regions of North America, specifically in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It thrives in sandy or rocky soil in desert, chaparral, and grassland habitats. This plant is well-adapted to hot, dry conditions and can survive in areas with little water and high temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Desert Pincushion grow in containers?
A: Yes, the Desert Pincushion can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has adequate drainage holes.Q: Is the Desert Pincushion a good plant for xeriscaping?
A: Yes, the Desert Pincushion is a great plant for xeriscaping because it is drought-tolerant and requires little water.Q: How often should I water my Desert Pincushion?
A: Water your Desert Pincushion deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering to once a month during the winter months.Q: Can the Desert Pincushion tolerate frost?
A: No, the Desert Pincushion is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to the Desert Pincushion:- Chaenactis carphoclinia- Chaenactis douglasii- Chaenactis fremontii- Chaenactis glabriuscula
References
– “Chaenactis Stevioides.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CHST5. Accessed 12 Sep. 2021.- “Chaenactis Stevioides.” Plant of the Week, https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/chaenactis_stevioides.shtml. Accessed 12 Sep. 2021.- “Chaenactis Stevioides.” Arizona State University, https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Chaenactis&species=stevioides. Accessed 12 Sep. 2021.
