Contents
Description
Jacobaea Erratica, also known as Senecio Erraticus, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians mountain ranges in Europe. This plant is well adapted to harsh environments and can grow in rocky places, scree slopes, and higher altitudes up to 3000 meters. It is a small, low-growing plant that can reach a height of 10-25 cm. The leaves are lanceolate or elliptic, with a gray-green color, and a woolly texture underneath. The flowers are yellow and daisy-like, and they bloom from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Jacobaea |
| Species | Erratica |
Appearance
Jacobaea Erratica is a small, low-growing plant with a bushy habit. It has a woody stem and gray-green leaves with a woolly texture. The leaves are lanceolate or elliptic and can grow up to 5 cm long. The flowers are yellow and daisy-like, with a diameter of 1-2 cm. They bloom from June to August, and the plant can produce up to 20 flowers per stem. The seeds are small and black, with a tuft of white hairs that aid in dispersal by wind.
Care Guide
Jacobaea Erratica is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for its care:- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Jacobaea Erratica is hardy in zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Jacobaea Erratica is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. Here are some tips for preventing and treating these issues:- Spider mites: Keep the plant well-watered and increase humidity around the plant. Spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or neem oil.- Aphids: Spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or neem oil.- Powdery mildew: Remove affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Jacobaea Erratica is native to the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians mountain ranges in Europe. It can grow in rocky places, scree slopes, and higher altitudes up to 3000 meters. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Jacobaea Erratica poisonous?
A: Yes, Jacobaea Erratica is toxic if ingested. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage.
Q: Can Jacobaea Erratica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Jacobaea Erratica can be grown in containers. Use a well-draining soil mix and water the plant regularly.
Q: How often should I fertilize Jacobaea Erratica?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Jacobaea Erratica attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Jacobaea Erratica attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Jacobaea Erratica:- Jacobaea Maritima- Senecio Aureus- Senecio Candicans- Senecio Cineraria- Senecio Vulgaris
References
– “Jacobaea Erratica.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 18 Oct. 2021, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:231305-1.- “Jacobaea Erratica (L.) Moench.” GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Accessed 18 Oct. 2021, www.gbif.org/species/3082912.- “Senecio Erraticus.” Alpine Garden Society. Accessed 18 Oct. 2021, www.alpinegardensociety.net/plants/senecio/erraticus.
