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Description
Dalea Mollis, also known as Soft Dalea, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. The plant is native to North America and is commonly found in dry, rocky, and sandy soils in the Great Plains region.The plant has a bushy and rounded habit and can grow up to 2-3 feet in height and width. Dalea Mollis produces attractive clusters of small, lavender-pink flowers that bloom from July to September. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Dalea |
Appearance
Dalea Mollis has a dense and rounded shape with a height and width of 2-3 feet. The plant has a deep root system that allows it to survive in dry and rocky soils. The leaves are small, pinnately compound, and covered with fine hairs, giving them a soft and fuzzy texture. The flowers are small, lavender-pink, and arranged in clusters at the ends of the stems. The plant blooms from July to September and produces seed pods that are about 1/4 inch long.
Care Guide
Dalea Mollis is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some care tips:- Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. After that, the plant is drought-tolerant and can survive on natural rainfall.- Fertilization: Dalea Mollis doesn’t require regular fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and doesn’t require rich soil.- Sunlight: Dalea Mollis prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dalea Mollis is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, here are some common pests and diseases that can affect the plant:- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. You can control them by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.- Powdery mildew: This disease can cause a white, powdery substance on the leaves. You can prevent it by avoiding overhead watering and improving air circulation around the plant.- Root rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil. You can prevent it by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and not too wet.
Habitat
Dalea Mollis is native to North America and is commonly found in dry, rocky, and sandy soils in the Great Plains region. The plant can also be found in open woodlands, prairies, and meadows.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dalea Mollis tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Dalea Mollis is drought-tolerant and can survive on natural rainfall.
Q: How tall and wide does Dalea Mollis grow?
A: Dalea Mollis can grow up to 2-3 feet in height and width.
Q: What kind of soil does Dalea Mollis prefer?
A: Dalea Mollis prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils.
Q: When does Dalea Mollis bloom?
A: Dalea Mollis blooms from July to September.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dalea Mollis:- Dalea Purpurea- Dalea Candida- Dalea Frutescens- Dalea Glaucophylla
References
– USDA Plants Database- Missouri Botanical Garden- North Carolina State University Extension- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
