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Description
Eriastrum Harwoodii is a beautiful plant that belongs to the polemoniaceae family. It is commonly known as Harwood’s woollystar and is native to California. This plant is a small shrub that can grow up to 1-3 feet in height and 1-3 feet in width. It produces small flowers with lavender-blue petals that bloom from late spring to early summer. Eriastrum Harwoodii is a popular plant among gardeners due to its attractive flowers and low maintenance requirements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Eriastrum |
Appearance
Eriastrum Harwoodii has a silvery-grey foliage that is covered with fine hairs, giving it a woolly appearance. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and are up to 2 inches long. Its small flowers are about 1 inch wide and have five lavender-blue petals. The flowers have a tube-like structure at the base that is about 2 inches long. Eriastrum Harwoodii blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Eriastrum Harwoodii is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out between watering. Reduce watering in winter.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Eriastrum Harwoodii prefers well-drained soil that is acidic to slightly alkaline.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate light shade.Hardiness Zones: Eriastrum Harwoodii is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eriastrum Harwoodii is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It can also attract aphids and spider mites. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat them immediately with the appropriate insecticides or fungicides.
Habitat
Eriastrum Harwoodii is native to California and can be found in the foothills and mountains of the state. It grows in open areas, meadows, and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eriastrum Harwoodii a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Eriastrum Harwoodii is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.Q: Can Eriastrum Harwoodii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Eriastrum Harwoodii can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate its size.Q: How often should I prune Eriastrum Harwoodii?
A: Prune Eriastrum Harwoodii in late winter or early spring to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.Q: How often should I fertilize Eriastrum Harwoodii?
A: Fertilize Eriastrum Harwoodii once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Eriastrum Harwoodii:- Eriastrum densifolium (dense-leaved woollystar)- Eriastrum diffusum (spreading woollystar)- Eriastrum sapphirinum (sapphire woollystar)
References
– Jepson Herbarium. (n.d.). Eriastrum Harwoodii. The Jepson Herbarium. https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=24243.- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Eriastrum Harwoodii. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ERHA.
