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Description
Dendromecon Harfordii, also known as Harford’s bush poppy, is a perennial plant that is native to California in the United States. It belongs to the Papaveraceae family, which is commonly known as the poppy family. This shrub is known for its beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. This plant has a high drought tolerance and is considered one of the most drought-tolerant plants in California.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Dendromecon |
Appearance
The Harford’s bush poppy is a compact shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a leathery texture. The flowers are a bright yellow color and have a diameter of 2-3 inches. They have four petals and a central disk of stamens. The fruit of this plant is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds. This plant blooms in the spring and summer.
Care Guide
Water: Harford’s bush poppy is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent the roots from rotting.
Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilizer. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
Soil: Harford’s bush poppy prefers well-drained soil that is sandy or loamy. It can tolerate alkaline soils but does not do well in clay soils.
Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Harford’s bush poppy is generally a healthy plant that is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap. This plant can also be affected by root rot if the soil is not well-drained.
Habitat
Harford’s bush poppy is native to the mountains of southern California. It is found in dry, rocky soils in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. This plant can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Harford’s bush poppy toxic?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that this plant is toxic to humans or animals.
Q: Can Harford’s bush poppy be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I water Harford’s bush poppy?
A: This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. It is recommended to water it once a week during the growing season and less frequently during the winter.
Q: Can Harford’s bush poppy be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from cuttings taken in the summer.
Related Plants
- Dendromecon rigida
- Dendromecon harfordii ‘Leadbetter’
- Dendromecon harfordii ‘Lilac Time’
- Dendromecon rigida ssp. harfordii
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/denhar/all.html
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=2495
- https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1281
