Contents
Description
Downingia Montana, also known as Mountain Calico, is a beautiful annual wildflower that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. Native to California, this plant is found in the Sierra Nevada and central coast ranges.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Genus | Downingia |
Appearance
Downingia Montana has delicate, blue-violet flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and measure around 1 inch in length. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, with a pale green color. The plant can reach a height of up to 2 feet, but typically grows to be around 12 inches tall.
Care Guide
When caring for Downingia Montana, it is essential to provide the plant with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.
Water: This plant prefers moist soil, so it is necessary to keep the soil consistently damp.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer for best results.
Soil: Downingia Montana prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level.
Sunlight: This plant thrives in partial to full sunlight, depending on the climate.
Hardiness Zones: Downingia Montana grows best in zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Downingia Montana is generally a healthy plant, but it can fall victim to a few pests and diseases. Some common pests that may attack this plant include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot, which can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and ensuring proper soil drainage.
Habitat
Downingia Montana is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands in California. It thrives in areas with well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight. Due to its love for moist soil, it is often found near streams or other water sources.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Downingia Montana a perennial or annual plant?
A: Downingia Montana is an annual plant.
Q: How tall does Downingia Montana grow?
A: Downingia Montana can reach a height of up to 2 feet, but typically grows to be around 12 inches tall.
Q: What type of soil does Downingia Montana prefer?
A: Downingia Montana prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level.
Q: Where is Downingia Montana found?
A: Downingia Montana is native to California and is found in the Sierra Nevada and central coast ranges.
Related Plants
- Downingia Bicolor
- Downingia Gypsophiloides
- Downingia Concolor
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/downingia_montana.shtml
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Downingia+montana
- https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/downingia_montana.htm
