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Description
Horkelia Cuneata, commonly known as the Sierra horkelia or Alpine horkelia, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is a perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America, including California, Oregon, and Nevada. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are green and fuzzy, and it produces tall, slender stems that can reach up to 2 feet in height. The flowers are small and white, with five petals and numerous stamens. The plant blooms from May to July and produces seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Horkelia |
Appearance
The Sierra horkelia has a unique appearance that makes it a popular choice for gardeners. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are green and fuzzy, with a diameter of 4-6 inches. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a toothed margin. The stems are slender and can reach up to 2 feet in height. The flowers are small, white, and clustered in a flat-topped inflorescence. The plant blooms from May to July and produces seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Care Guide
Sierra horkelia is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this plant:
Water
The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.
Fertilization
Sierra horkelia does not require fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth and blooming.
Soil
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. You can amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve the drainage and fertility.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions, but it may require some shade in the afternoon to prevent wilting.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. It can tolerate cold temperatures and frost, but it may require some protection in the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sierra horkelia is relatively pest and disease-free, but it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. The plant may also be attacked by aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Sierra horkelia is native to western North America, including California, Oregon, and Nevada. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, rocky slopes, and open woods. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q1: How tall does Sierra horkelia grow?
A1: Sierra horkelia can grow up to 2 feet in height.
Q2: Does Sierra horkelia require fertilizer?
A2: Sierra horkelia does not require fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth and blooming.
Q3: What are the common pests and diseases of Sierra horkelia?
A3: Sierra horkelia is relatively pest and disease-free, but it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. The plant may also be attacked by aphids and spider mites.
Q4: What is the hardiness zone for Sierra horkelia?
A4: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Horkelia Bolanderi
- Horkelia Californica
- Horkelia Cuneata ssp. sericea
- Horkelia Cuneata ssp. puberula
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/horkelia_cuneata.shtml
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Horkelia+cuneata
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/horkelia-cuneata-sierra-horkelia
