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Description
Cryptantha Intermedia, commonly known as the Intermediate Cryptantha or Purple-root Cryptantha, is a herbaceous plant species belonging to the borage family (Boraginaceae). This annual plant is native to western North America, specifically in the United States and Mexico. It grows up to 20 inches tall and produces small, white or pink flowers in the spring and summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Cryptantha |
| Species | Cryptantha Intermedia |
Appearance
The Intermediate Cryptantha has an upright growth habit and produces narrow leaves that are gray-green in color. Its stems are covered in fine hairs, and its flowers are small and tubular, with five petals that are either white or pink in color. The plant’s roots are purple in color and are often used in traditional medicine.
Care Guide
To care for Cryptantha Intermedia, follow these guidelines:
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Soil: Cryptantha Intermedia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy or clay soils.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will produce fewer flowers.
Hardiness Zones: Cryptantha Intermedia can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cryptantha Intermedia is generally pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is kept too wet. It can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. Additionally, aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Cryptantha Intermedia is native to dry, rocky soils in western North America, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Mexico. It can be found growing in open, sunny areas, including grasslands, sagebrush plains, and desert washes.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time to plant Cryptantha Intermedia?
A: Cryptantha Intermedia should be planted in the spring, after the last frost has passed.
Q: How often should Cryptantha Intermedia be fertilized?
A: Cryptantha Intermedia should be fertilized every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Q: How tall can Cryptantha Intermedia grow?
A: Cryptantha Intermedia can grow up to 20 inches tall.
Q: Can Cryptantha Intermedia be grown indoors?
A: Cryptantha Intermedia is typically grown outdoors in full sun or partial shade.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cryptantha Intermedia:
- Cryptantha cinerea (Ashen Cryptantha)
- Cryptantha humilis (Low Cryptantha)
- Cryptantha micrantha (Small-flowered Cryptantha)
- Cryptantha pterocarya (Wingnut Cryptantha)
References
- USDA Plants Database: Cryptantha Intermedia
- Arizona Native Plant Society: Cryptantha Intermedia
- Las Pilitas Nursery: Cryptantha Intermedia
- Wildflower.org: Cryptantha Intermedia
