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Description
Collomia Tinctoria, commonly known as “staining collomia,” is a delicate wildflower native to the western United States. It is an annual plant that grows up to 60 centimeters tall and produces clusters of small pink, lavender, or white flowers. Its unique and attractive appearance makes it a popular choice for gardeners and horticulturists.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Polemoniales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Collomia |
Appearance
Collomia Tinctoria has narrow leaves that grow up to 10 centimeters long and are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. Its flowers are small and bell-shaped, with five petals fused at the base. They bloom from June to September and are typically pink, lavender, or white in color. The plant has a delicate and airy appearance, with a slender stem that can grow up to 60 centimeters tall.
Care Guide
Collomia Tinctoria is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full or partial sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plants to become leggy and weak. Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Collomia Tinctoria is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Collomia Tinctoria is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, spider mites and aphids can occasionally infest the plant. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Powdery mildew can also be a problem, especially in humid conditions. This can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Collomia Tinctoria is native to the western United States, where it grows in dry, rocky habitats, such as sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and mountain meadows. It is often found growing alongside other wildflowers, such as lupines, paintbrushes, and penstemons.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Collomia Tinctoria be planted in containers?
A: Yes, Collomia Tinctoria can be grown in containers as long as they have good drainage and are placed in a location with adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize Collomia Tinctoria?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Is Collomia Tinctoria poisonous?
A: No, Collomia Tinctoria is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: How can I propagate Collomia Tinctoria?
A: Collomia Tinctoria can be propagated by seed. Collect the seeds in the fall and plant them in the spring after the last frost.
Related Plants
- Collomia Grandiflora
- Collomia Linearis
- Collomia Hirsuta
References
- “Collomia Tinctoria,” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, accessed August 5, 2021, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COTI.
- “Collomia Tinctoria,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed August 5, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279521.
- “Collomia Tinctoria,” USDA Plants Database, accessed August 5, 2021, https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=coti.
