Contents
Description
Cyanthillium Cinereum is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as the Coastal Daisy, Seaside Oxeye, or Little Ironweed. It is native to the coastal regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including Australia, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. This plant is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter in height, with a woody stem that branches out into many smaller stems. It has small, daisy-like flowers that are white or pinkish-purple in color and bloom from summer to fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cyanthillium |
| Species | Cinereum |
Appearance
The Coastal Daisy is a herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 1 meter tall with a woody stem. It has many small branches that bear alternate leaves. The leaves are lanceolate to oblanceolate and measure about 5-10 cm in length and 1-2 cm in width. The flowers are small, daisy-like, and are white or pinkish-purple in color. The center of each flower is yellow, and it blooms from summer to fall. The fruit of the Coastal Daisy is a small achene, which is dispersed by wind.
Care Guide
The Coastal Daisy is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
- Water: Coastal Daisies prefer well-draining soil and do not like to be overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: The Coastal Daisy does not require much fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The Coastal Daisy prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Sunlight: Coastal Daisies prefer full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Coastal Daisy is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Coastal Daisy is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to damping-off disease if the soil is too wet. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem if the plant is stressed. To prevent these issues, make sure your plant is growing in well-draining soil and is not overwatered. If pests are present, treat with a suitable insecticide, or use an organic pest control method such as neem oil.
Habitat
The Coastal Daisy is native to the coastal regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including Australia, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It can be found growing in sandy soils, rocky cliffs, and dunes. It is also commonly cultivated as a garden plant in warmer regions around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Coastal Daisy a good plant for coastal gardens?
A: Yes, the Coastal Daisy is an excellent plant for coastal gardens as it is tolerant of salt spray and sandy soils.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Coastal Daisy?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can I grow Coastal Daisy in a container?
A: Yes, Coastal Daisies can be grown in containers as long as they are provided with well-draining soil and are not overwatered.
Q: Does the Coastal Daisy attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the Coastal Daisy attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Chrysanthemum
- Aster
- Daisy
- Rudbeckia
References
- Flora of China, www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242355247
- Plants of the World Online, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:195449-1
- USDA, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CYCI2
