Contents
Description
Dicranostigma is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. It comprises only one species, Dicranostigma franchetianum, which is commonly known as the blue-eyed poppy. This plant is native to China, where it grows in mountainous regions and open forests. It is a herbaceous perennial that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. The blue-eyed poppy has large, showy flowers that bloom in the summer, and its foliage is deeply lobed and green.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Dicranostigma |
Appearance
The blue-eyed poppy has large, showy flowers that are about 10-15 cm in diameter. The flowers are blue with a white center and have a papery texture. The foliage of the plant is deeply lobed and green, and it can reach up to 60 cm in length. The blue-eyed poppy can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and 1 meter in width. It is a herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground in winter and regrows in the spring.
Care Guide
The blue-eyed poppy prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It is best to water this plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. The blue-eyed poppy can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it prefers slightly acidic soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The blue-eyed poppy is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. Aphids and slugs may also be a problem, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap and slug bait, respectively.
Habitat
The blue-eyed poppy is native to China, where it grows in mountainous regions and open forests. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. This plant is not common in cultivation, but it can be grown in a garden setting as a specimen plant or in a mixed border.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the blue-eyed poppy poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
Q: How often should I fertilize the blue-eyed poppy?
A: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can the blue-eyed poppy tolerate full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade.
Q: How tall does the blue-eyed poppy grow?
A: It can reach up to 1.5 meters in height.
Related Plants
- Ranunculus
- Helleborus
- Aconitum
- Delphinium
References
- Flora of China. (n.d.). Dicranostigma franchetianum. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200007500
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Dicranostigma franchetianum. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281706&isprofile=0&basic=Dicranostigma
- RHS. (n.d.). Dicranostigma franchetianum. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9202/dicranostigma-franchetianum/details
