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Description
Euchiton Involucratus, also known as the seaside heliotrope or seaside salt heliotrope, is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. It is native to coastal regions of western North America, from Alaska to California. It is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 60 centimeters in height with a spread of up to 90 centimeters. It has small white flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, and its leaves are thick, fleshy, and gray-green in color. It is commonly found growing in sandy soils along beaches and dunes, and is known for its ability to tolerate salt spray and drought.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Euchiton |
| Species | Euchiton Involucratus |
Appearance
Euchiton Involucratus is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 60 centimeters in height with a spread of up to 90 centimeters. It has thick, fleshy, gray-green leaves that are up to 10 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide. The leaves are lanceolate in shape and have a smooth surface with slightly rolled edges. The plant produces small white flowers that are less than 1 centimeter in diameter, and these flowers bloom in the summer and fall. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the ends of the stems, and they have a light fragrance. The fruit of the plant is a four-parted nutlet that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter.
Care Guide
Euchiton Involucratus is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
- Water: Euchiton Involucratus is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during periods of prolonged drought.
- Fertilization: Euchiton Involucratus does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring if desired.
- Soil: Euchiton Involucratus prefers sandy, well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, but prefers slightly acidic soil.
- Sunlight: Euchiton Involucratus prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but will not bloom as profusely.
- Hardiness Zones: Euchiton Involucratus is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Euchiton Involucratus is relatively pest and disease free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-draining soil. It can also be damaged by snails and slugs, which may feed on the leaves and stems. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering. To control snails and slugs, handpick them off the plant or use a slug bait.
Habitat
Euchiton Involucratus is native to coastal regions of western North America, from Alaska to California. It is commonly found growing in sandy soils along beaches and dunes. It is known for its ability to tolerate salt spray and drought, and is an important plant for stabilizing sand dunes and preventing erosion.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Euchiton Involucratus a good plant for coastal gardens?
A: Yes, Euchiton Involucratus is an excellent plant for coastal gardens. It is tolerant of salt spray and drought, and can help stabilize sand dunes and prevent erosion.
Q: Can Euchiton Involucratus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Euchiton Involucratus can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Q: Does Euchiton Involucratus attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Euchiton Involucratus produces small white flowers that are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Euchiton Involucratus be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Euchiton Involucratus can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings in a warm, bright location until they root.
Related Plants
- Euchiton Sphaericus
- Euchiton Lasiocarpus
- Euchiton Mexicanus
References
- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Euchiton involucratus. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242415332
- Native Plant Trust. (n.d.). Euchiton involucratus. Retrieved from https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/plants/euchiton-involucratus/
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (n.d.). Seaside heliotrope. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/mgsantaclara/Plant_of_the_Month/Euchiton_Involucratus_-_Seaside_Heliotrope/
