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Description
Chaetopappa Bellidifolia, commonly known as the woollyheads plant, is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The plant grows up to 1-2 feet tall and has small, white flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Chaetopappa |
| Species | Bellidifolia |
Appearance
The woollyheads plant has narrow leaves that are grayish-green in color and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are about 1-2 inches long and grow in a rosette at the base of the stem. The stem is also covered in fine hairs and can be branched or unbranched. The flowers are small, about 1/4 inch in diameter, and appear in clusters at the top of the stem. They have white petals and a yellow center. The plant blooms from June to August.
Care Guide
To care for the woollyheads plant, it is best to plant it in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers dry conditions and does not need to be watered often. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The woollyheads plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the plant is planted in well-draining soil and water sparingly.
Habitat
The woollyheads plant is native to the southwestern United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including desert grasslands, rocky slopes, and open woodlands. It prefers dry, well-drained soils and can tolerate hot, dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the woollyheads plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the woollyheads plant can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is not overwatered.
Q: Is the woollyheads plant a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the woollyheads plant is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Q: How often should the woollyheads plant be watered?
A: The woollyheads plant prefers dry conditions and does not need to be watered often. Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Q: How tall does the woollyheads plant grow?
A: The woollyheads plant can grow up to 1-2 feet tall.
Related Plants
Some plants related to the woollyheads plant include:
- Chaetopappa Asteroides
- Chaetopappa Ericoides
- Chaetopappa Membranacea
- Chaetopappa Nevadensis
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Chaetopappa bellidifolia (Gray) A. Gray. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CHBE2
- University of Arizona. (n.d.). Chaetopappa bellidifolia. Retrieved from https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Chaetopappa&species=bellidifolia
