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Description
Hulsea Heterochroma, commonly known as the Mono Basin hulsea, is a beautiful flowering plant native to California. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is the second largest family of flowering plants. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 1.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide. It has yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, attracting bees and butterflies. The plant has a long taproot and can live up to 10 years.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Hulsea |
| Species | Heterochroma |
Appearance
Hulsea Heterochroma has a basal rosette of hairy, lance-shaped leaves that measure up to 4 inches long. The leaves are green and have a rough texture. The stems are hairy and have yellow flowering heads that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers have both ray and disk flowers, with the ray flowers being yellow and the disk flowers being yellow-orange.
Care Guide
Water
Hulsea Heterochroma prefers moderate watering during the growing season, but it is drought-tolerant and can survive on less water. It is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not require fertilization, but adding compost to the soil can help provide nutrients.
Soil
Hulsea Heterochroma prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or rocky. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH level.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Hardiness Zones
Hulsea Heterochroma is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hulsea Heterochroma is susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot diseases. It can also attract aphids and spider mites. To prevent these pests and diseases, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated and to remove any infected leaves or flowers.
Habitat
Hulsea Heterochroma is native to California and can be found in the Mono Basin region of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. It grows in dry, rocky soils at elevations of 6,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hulsea Heterochroma a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Hulsea Heterochroma is easy to care for and can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
Q: How often should I water Hulsea Heterochroma?
A: Water the plant once a week during the growing season, but be sure not to overwater it.
Q: How do I propagate Hulsea Heterochroma?
A: The plant can be propagated through division or by taking stem cuttings.
Q: How tall does Hulsea Heterochroma grow?
A: Hulsea Heterochroma can grow up to 1.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide.
Related Plants
- Hulsea Algida
- Hulsea Nana
- Hulsea Vestita
References
- “Hulsea heterochroma.” CalFlora. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=4288.
- “Hulsea heterochroma.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=HUHE.
- “Mono Basin hulsea.” US Fish and Wildlife Service. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/mono_basin_wildlife_mgmt_area/wildlife_and_habitat/hulsea_heterochroma.html.
