Collinsia Torreyi

Description

Collinsia Torreyi, also known as Torrey’s blue-eyed Mary, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is a native plant of California and can be found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The plant is an annual herb that grows up to 10-40 cm tall. It has blue-purple flowers that bloom in the spring months between April and June. The plant’s leaves have a lance-shaped structure and are arranged oppositely on the stem.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Collinsia Torreyi has blue-purple flowers that are approximately 1 cm in diameter. The flowers have a tubular structure and are arranged in clusters. The plant has opposite leaves that are lance-shaped and have toothed edges. The leaves are 2-6 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide. The stem of the plant is slender and can be green or purple in color. The plant’s roots are shallow and do not have a significant depth.

Care Guide

Water

Collinsia Torreyi prefers moist soil and needs regular watering. The plant needs to be watered at least once a week. However, it is imperative to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Fertilization

The plant does not require frequent fertilization. It can be fertilized once or twice a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Soil

Collinsia Torreyi prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.

Sunlight

The plant requires partial shade to full sun exposure. It can tolerate full sun if the soil is consistently moist.

Hardiness Zones

Collinsia Torreyi can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Collinsia Torreyi is susceptible to several pests and diseases. The most common pests that infest the plant are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. The plant is also prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Regular inspection of the plant can help identify the pests and diseases early on, and appropriate measures can be taken to prevent their spread.

Habitat

Collinsia Torreyi is a native plant of California and can be found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in partial shade to full sun exposure. The plant is typically found in meadows, woodlands, and along streams.

Question and Answer

Q. Can Collinsia Torreyi grow in sandy soil?

A. No, Collinsia Torreyi prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Sandy soil does not retain moisture and is not suitable for the plant’s growth.

Q. How often should Collinsia Torreyi be fertilized?

A. The plant does not require frequent fertilization. It can be fertilized once or twice a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Q. What is the ideal pH level for the soil for Collinsia Torreyi?

A. The ideal pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for Collinsia Torreyi.

Q. Can Collinsia Torreyi grow in full sun exposure?

A. Yes, Collinsia Torreyi can grow in full sun exposure if the soil is consistently moist.

Related Plants

• Collinsia Grandiflora
• Collinsia Heterophylla
• Collinsia Parviflora

References

• Baldwin, B. G., & Goldman, D. H. (2019). The Jepson manual: vascular plants of California. University of California Press.
• Collinsia Torreyi. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COTO3
• USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Collinsia Torreyi. Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=COTO3