Contents
Description
Chylismia Cardiophylla, also known as Heart-leaved Evening Primrose, is a beautiful wildflower endemic to California. It belongs to the Onagraceae family and is a herbaceous annual that grows up to 1.5 feet tall. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from March to June and have a diameter of 1.5 inches. The flowers are pollinated by bees and butterflies, and the plant produces seeds that are dispersed by wind and insects.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Genus | Chylismia |
Appearance
Chylismia Cardiophylla has a basal rosette of leaves that are heart-shaped and up to 2 inches long. The stem is erect and branched, with lanceolate leaves that are up to 3 inches long. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that have four petals and a prominent central stigma. The flowers bloom from March to June and are followed by elongated fruits that contain many seeds. The plant has a taproot system and can grow up to 1.5 feet tall.
Care Guide
Chylismia Cardiophylla is easy to grow and care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure, but can tolerate partial shade. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 11 and can tolerate frost and drought conditions.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chylismia Cardiophylla is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be attacked by aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be prevented by ensuring adequate air circulation.
Habitat
Chylismia Cardiophylla is native to California and can be found in the coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats. It grows in sandy, well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions. The plant is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of California, where it receives most of its rainfall during the winter months.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Chylismia Cardiophylla a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Chylismia Cardiophylla is an annual plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Q: Can Chylismia Cardiophylla be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Chylismia Cardiophylla can be grown in containers as long as they have good drainage and are placed in a sunny location.
Q: Can Chylismia Cardiophylla be propagated by cuttings?
A: No, Chylismia Cardiophylla cannot be propagated by cuttings. It is best propagated by seed.
Q: Does Chylismia Cardiophylla have any cultural or medicinal uses?
A: No, Chylismia Cardiophylla does not have any cultural or medicinal uses.
Related Plants
- Chylismia Clermontiae
- Chylismia Coronopifolia
- Chylismia Heterochroma
- Chylismia Scapoidea
References
- California Native Plant Society. (2021). Chylismia cardiophylla. Retrieved from https://www.calscape.org/Chylismia-cardiophylla-(Heart-leaved-Evening-Primrose)
- CNPS Rare Plant Program. (2015). CNPS Inventory: Chylismia cardiophylla. Retrieved from https://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detail/1706.html
- USDA. (2021). Plants Profile for Chylismia cardiophylla (Heart-leaved evening-primrose). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CHCA10
