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Description
Erythranthe Bicolor, commonly known as the Sierra lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Phrymaceae. It is native to the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, where it grows in moist areas such as meadows, streambanks, and seeps. The plant is typically 10-30cm tall and blooms from July to August, producing small, yellow and orange flowers with a distinctive red spot on the lower lip. The leaves are basal, lanceolate to oval in shape, and can grow up to 8cm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Phrymaceae |
| Genus | Erythranthe |
Appearance
Erythranthe Bicolor has a slender stem with lance-shaped leaves that alternate up the stem. The flowers are small, about 1.5cm in length, and have a yellow and orange coloration with a red spot on the lower lip. The plant can grow up to 30cm in height and 10-15cm in width. The flowers bloom in July and August and are often visited by hummingbirds and bees.
Care Guide
Erythranthe Bicolor is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Water the plant regularly during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Erythranthe Bicolor prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Erythranthe Bicolor is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erythranthe Bicolor is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if the soil is too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:
- Fungal infections: These can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and not over-watering the plant.
- Aphids: These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Erythranthe Bicolor is native to the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, where it grows in moist areas such as meadows, streambanks, and seeps. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun. The plant is commonly found in montane and subalpine habitats.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Erythranthe Bicolor a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Erythranthe Bicolor is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance, making it a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can Erythranthe Bicolor grow in containers?
A: Yes, Erythranthe Bicolor can grow in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How often should Erythranthe Bicolor be fertilized?
A: Erythranthe Bicolor should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the best way to propagate Erythranthe Bicolor?
A: Erythranthe Bicolor can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Erythranthe Cardinalis
- Erythranthe Guttata
- Erythranthe Lewisii
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Erythranthe bicolor (Benth.) G.L. Nesom. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ERBI
- Las Pilitas Nursery. (n.d.). Erythranthe bicolor. Retrieved from https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/erythranthe-bicolor
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Erythranthe bicolor. Retrieved from https://www.cnps.org/gardening/plant-guides/erythranthe-bicolor
