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Description
Gutierrezia Microcephala, also known as threadleaf snakeweed, is a perennial shrub with yellow flowers that belong to the Aster family. It is native to the southwestern United States and can grow up to 3 feet tall. This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in harsh environments. It blooms from August to October and can produce thousands of flowers in one season. Gutierrezia Microcephala is commonly used for erosion control and as a cover crop. It also has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Gutierrezia |
Appearance
Gutierrezia Microcephala has thin, thread-like leaves that are 1-2 inches long. The leaves are green, grayish-green, or silver and are covered in fine hairs. The stem is woody and can be green or reddish-brown. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are less than 1 inch in diameter. The flowers have a daisy-like appearance and bloom in clusters at the top of the stem.
Care Guide
Gutierrezia Microcephala is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. It can survive on rainfall alone.
- Fertilization: Gutierrezia Microcephala does not require fertilization. However, if you want to promote growth, you can use a low-nitrogen fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil and can grow in sandy or rocky soil. It can also tolerate alkaline soil.
- Sunlight: Gutierrezia Microcephala prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5a-9b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gutierrezia Microcephala is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Gutierrezia Microcephala is native to the southwestern United States and can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. It grows in arid environments such as deserts, plains, and rocky slopes. It can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Gutierrezia Microcephala grow in clay soil?
A: No, this plant prefers well-draining soil and does not grow well in clay soil.
Q: How often should I water Gutierrezia Microcephala?
A: This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. It can survive on rainfall alone and does not need to be watered regularly.
Q: How tall can Gutierrezia Microcephala grow?
A: This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Q: Is Gutierrezia Microcephala toxic to pets?
A: There is no information available on whether this plant is toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Gutierrezia Sarothrae
- Gutierrezia Euthamiae
- Gutierrezia Californica
References
- “Gutierrezia Microcephala (Threadleaf Snakeweed).” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GUMI2.
- “Gutierrezia Microcephala.” Fire Effects Information System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/gutmic/all.html.
- “Gutierrezia Microcephala.” Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences, askabiologist.asu.edu/plants/gutierrezia-microcephala.
