Dasistoma

Description

Dasistoma is a genus of flowering plants in the family Scrophulariaceae. It is native to North America, and is commonly known as the false toadflax or purple false foxglove. The genus was named after the Greek words “dasys” meaning hairy and “stoma” meaning mouth, referring to the hairy opening of the flower. Dasistoma is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has lance-shaped leaves and produces tubular flowers that are purple, pink, or white in color. The flowers bloom in the summer and fall seasons.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Dasistoma has lance-shaped leaves that are up to 10 cm long and 2 cm wide. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, and are hairy on both sides. The flowers are tubular in shape and are 2-3 cm long. They are arranged in spikes at the top of the stem, and can be purple, pink, or white in color. The throat of the flower is hairy, which gives it the appearance of a mouth. The fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds.

Care Guide

Water

Dasistoma prefers moist soil, but can tolerate periods of drought. Water the plant regularly, but make sure the soil does not become waterlogged.

Fertilization

Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Soil

Dasistoma prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.

Sunlight

Dasistoma prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but will not flower as well.

Hardiness Zones

Dasistoma is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dasistoma is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to crown rot if the soil is too wet. Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies may occasionally infest the plant.

Habitat

Dasistoma is native to North America, and can be found in meadows, prairies, and open woods. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Dasistoma be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Dasistoma can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

Q: How often should I fertilize Dasistoma?

A: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Q: Does Dasistoma require pruning?

A: Dasistoma does not require pruning, but you can deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.

Q: Can Dasistoma be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, Dasistoma can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or fall.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants in the family Scrophulariaceae:

• Penstemon
• Digitalis
• Verbascum
• Antirrhinum

References

• USDA Plants Database: Dasistoma
• Missouri Botanical Garden: Dasistoma
• RHS: Dasistoma
• Gardenia: Dasistoma