Contents
Description
Deeringia Amaranthoides, also known as redwood sorrel or amaranth-like deeringia, is a flowering plant species that belong to the Amaranthaceae family. It is a small and delicate plant that grows in the coastal regions of California and Baja California. The plant’s stem is slender and branches outwards, with leaves that are green and slightly hairy, and has small red flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Deeringia |
Appearance
The Deeringia Amaranthoides plant is small and delicate, growing up to 1-2 feet tall and spreading out up to 3 feet wide. The plant’s stem is slender and branches outwards, with leaves that are green and slightly hairy. The leaves are triangular in shape and measure about 2-3 inches long. The plant has small red flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers grow in clusters and have a tubular shape, with four petals that are red to pink in color.
Care Guide
The Deeringia Amaranthoides plant is relatively easy to care for, as long as you provide it with the right conditions. Here is a detailed care guide:
Water
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
The plant does not require fertilization, as it can survive on the nutrients present in the soil. However, if you want to promote growth and flowering, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining, loamy soil. You can add organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to improve the soil’s drainage and nutrient content.
Sunlight
The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sun exposure, but too much sun can damage the leaves and flowers.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Deeringia Amaranthoides plant is relatively pest and disease free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot, if the plant is kept in damp conditions. To prevent fungal diseases, make sure to provide good air circulation around the plant and avoid overwatering. The plant can also attract aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Deeringia Amaranthoides plant is native to the coastal regions of California and Baja California, where it grows in the understory of redwood forests and other shaded areas. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Here are some frequently asked questions about Deeringia Amaranthoides:
Q: Is Deeringia Amaranthoides a flowering plant?
A: Yes, Deeringia Amaranthoides is a flowering plant that produces small red flowers in the spring and summer.
Q: Can Deeringia Amaranthoides tolerate full sun?
A: Deeringia Amaranthoides prefers partial to full shade and cannot tolerate too much sun exposure, as it can damage the leaves and flowers.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Deeringia Amaranthoides?
A: Deeringia Amaranthoides is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should I water Deeringia Amaranthoides?
A: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Deeringia Amaranthoides:
- Amaranthus retroflexus
- Amaranthus powellii
- Amaranthus blitoides
- Amaranthus caudatus
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/deeringia_amaranthoides.shtml
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Deeringia+amaranthoides
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/deeringia-amaranthoides
