Hesperevax

Description

Hesperevax is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae that comprises only one species, Hesperevax acaulis (also known as stemless gilia or stemless desert trumpet). This herbaceous perennial plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils in desert scrub, chaparral, and pinyon-juniper woodlands at elevations ranging from 300 to 2,800 meters.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Hesperevax acaulis is a small, clumping perennial that grows up to 20 cm tall and 30 cm wide. It has a basal rosette of spoon-shaped or spatulate leaves that are up to 10 cm long and 2 cm wide, and covered with fine hairs. In spring and summer, it produces several upright stems that bear solitary, trumpet-shaped flowers that are 2-3 cm long, and come in shades of pink, purple, or white with yellow throats. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and bees. Hesperevax acaulis is a short-lived plant that may die after flowering, but it readily self-seeds to form colonies.

Care Guide

Hesperevax acaulis is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips:

• Water: Hesperevax acaulis is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soils. Water it sparingly, only when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Fertilization: Hesperevax acaulis does not require fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring if you want to promote growth.
• Soil: Hesperevax acaulis grows best in sandy or rocky soils with a pH of 6.0-8.0. Amend heavy soils with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
• Sunlight: Hesperevax acaulis thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Hardiness Zones: Hesperevax acaulis is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Hesperevax acaulis is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soils. To prevent this, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. In addition, watch out for snails and slugs that may feed on the leaves and flowers. You can handpick them or use baits to control them.

Habitat

Hesperevax acaulis is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in desert scrub, chaparral, and pinyon-juniper woodlands at elevations ranging from 300 to 2,800 meters. It prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soils and full sun.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Hesperevax acaulis grow in containers?

A: Yes, Hesperevax acaulis can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate its roots.

Q: How often should I water Hesperevax acaulis?

A: Water Hesperevax acaulis sparingly, only when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot.

Q: Can Hesperevax acaulis tolerate frost?

A: Hesperevax acaulis is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate light frost. However, it may die back to the ground in severe winters and reemerge in spring.

Q: How do I propagate Hesperevax acaulis?

A: Hesperevax acaulis readily self-seeds, but you can also propagate it by division in spring or fall.

Related Plants

• Hesperaloe
• Hesperantha
• Hesperis
• Hesperoyucca

References

• https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HEAC2
• https://www.highcountrygardens.com/perennial-plants/hesperaloe/hesperaloe-parviflora
• https://plantcaretoday.com/desert-trumpet.html
• https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/hesperantha-coccinea