Contents
Description
Erucaria is a genus of plants that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This genus is composed of just one species, Erucaria hispanica, which is also known as Spanish wallflower. It is native to the western Mediterranean region, where it grows in rocky habitats and cliffs.Erucaria hispanica is a perennial herb that can grow up to 60 cm tall. It has a woody base and its stems are erect, branched, and covered with fine hairs. Its leaves are lance-shaped, green, and also covered with fine hairs. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in a raceme. They bloom from May to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Erucaria |
Appearance
Erucaria hispanica is a beautiful plant that can add color and texture to any garden. Its stems are erect and covered with fine hairs, which give it a fuzzy appearance. The leaves are lance-shaped, green, and also covered with fine hairs. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in a raceme. They bloom from May to August.
Care Guide
Erucaria hispanica is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you take care of your Erucaria:- Water: Erucaria hispanica prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during the growing season.- Fertilization: Erucaria hispanica doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer. You can give it a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year, in the spring and fall.- Soil: Erucaria hispanica prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it doesn’t like heavy clay soil.- Sunlight: Erucaria hispanica prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will bloom less in shady areas.- Hardiness Zones: Erucaria hispanica is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erucaria hispanica is relatively pest-free and doesn’t suffer from any major diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. To prevent these pests, you can spray your plants with a mixture of dish soap and water. If you notice any signs of infestation, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
Habitat
Erucaria hispanica is native to the western Mediterranean region, where it grows in rocky habitats and cliffs. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and can grow in areas with full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Erucaria hispanica toxic to pets?
A: Erucaria hispanica is not toxic to pets, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your pets when they’re around plants.
Q: Can I grow Erucaria hispanica in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Erucaria hispanica in a container. Just make sure the container has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
Q: How often should I fertilize Erucaria hispanica?
A: You can fertilize Erucaria hispanica once or twice a year, in the spring and fall. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.
Q: How do I propagate Erucaria hispanica?
A: You can propagate Erucaria hispanica by seed or by division. Seeds should be sown in the spring or fall, and division should be done in the spring.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Erucaria:- Erysimum- Cheiranthus- Hesperis- Alyssum
References
– “Erucaria hispanica.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2019.- “Erucaria hispanica.” Royal Horticultural Society. Royal Horticultural Society, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2019.- “Spanish Wallflower.” The Spruce. The Spruce, 21 Sept. 2018. Web. 12 Feb. 2019.
