Contents
Description
Dactylorhiza Sambucina, also known as Elder-flowered Orchid, is a terrestrial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. It is native to Europe and can be found in damp meadows, calcareous grasslands, and marshes. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 50 cm in height and has a stem that is covered with purple spots. The leaves are lanceolate and grow up to 20 cm in length. The flowers are pink-purple and bloom from May to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Dactylorhiza |
Appearance
Dactylorhiza Sambucina is a beautiful plant with lanceolate leaves that grow up to 20 cm in length. The stem is covered with purple spots and can grow up to 50 cm in height. The flowers are pink-purple and bloom from May to August. They are arranged in a dense spike and each flower has a lip that is divided into three lobes. The middle lobe is elongated and has a purple mark at its base.
Care Guide
Dactylorhiza Sambucina is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Dactylorhiza Sambucina prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Dactylorhiza Sambucina is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dactylorhiza Sambucina is relatively disease-free, but it can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. Here are some tips to prevent pests and diseases:
- Aphids: Spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap to deter aphids.
- Spider mites: Keep the plant well-hydrated to prevent spider mites.
Habitat
Dactylorhiza Sambucina is native to Europe and can be found in damp meadows, calcareous grasslands, and marshes. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. It is a hardy plant that can grow in USDA zones 4-8.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Dactylorhiza Sambucina?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: Does Dactylorhiza Sambucina need fertilizer?
A: Yes, fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: What pests and diseases can affect Dactylorhiza Sambucina?
A: Dactylorhiza Sambucina is relatively disease-free, but it can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites.
Q: Where is Dactylorhiza Sambucina native to?
A: Dactylorhiza Sambucina is native to Europe.
Related Plants
- Dactylorhiza fuchsii
- Dactylorhiza majalis
- Dactylorhiza maculata
- Dactylorhiza incarnata
References
- “Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx. Accessed 20 May 2021.
- “Dactylorhiza sambucina.” Plant Finder. Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/3662/Dactylorhiza-sambucina/Details. Accessed 20 May 2021.
- “Dactylorhiza sambucina.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 May 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dactylorhiza_sambucina. Accessed 20 May 2021.
