Contents
Description
Chesneya Polystichoides is a species of perennial flowering plants, commonly known as the Fern-Leaf Pea. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is native to the Himalayas, specifically in Bhutan, China, India, and Nepal. It is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 cm tall and has fern-like leaves with small, yellow flowers. The plant is commonly grown for ornamental purposes, especially in rock gardens and borders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Chesneya |
| Species | Polystichoides |
Appearance
The Chesneya Polystichoides plant has delicate, fern-like leaves that are green in color and grow up to 15 cm long. The leaves are pinnate, meaning they have leaflets arranged on both sides of the stem. The stem is slender and erect, growing up to 60 cm tall. The small, yellow flowers grow in clusters at the end of the stem, and bloom from May to June.
Care Guide
To care for Chesneya Polystichoides, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and exposure to hardiness zones. The plant prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range. It requires moderate watering, with the soil being allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilization is recommended once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.The plant should be grown in full sun or partial shade, with protection from intense afternoon sun. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chesneya Polystichoides is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled through the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if overwatered or grown in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
Chesneya Polystichoides is native to the Himalayas, where it grows in rocky areas, meadows, and open forests. It prefers well-drained soil and thrives in areas with cool summers and cold winters.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can Chesneya Polystichoides be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, as long as they are large enough to accommodate the root system and provide adequate drainage.
Q: Does Chesneya Polystichoides attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant attracts bees and butterflies with its small, yellow flowers.
Q: How often should Chesneya Polystichoides be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Chesneya Polystichoides tolerate drought?
A: No, the plant requires moderate watering and does not tolerate drought well.
Related Plants
- Chesneya Japonica
- Chesneya Monosperma
- Chesneya Oblonga
References
- “Chesneya Polystichoides.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a467.
- “Chesneya Polystichoides.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed August 23, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:499132-1.
- “Chesneya Polystichoides.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/16316/Chesneya-polystichoides/Details.
