Jacobaea Maritima
Contents
Description
Jacobaea Maritima, commonly known as silver ragwort or dusty miller, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region but has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. The plant stands at a height of 30-60 cm and has a spread of around 45 cm. It produces small yellow flowers that bloom in mid-summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Jacobaea |
Appearance
Jacobaea Maritima has a distinctive appearance, with its silvery-white leaves that are deeply lobed and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are around 10-15 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. The plant produces a basal rosette of leaves and stems that are erect and branched. The small yellow flowers are produced in clusters at the top of the stem and bloom in mid-summer.
Care Guide
Jacobaea Maritima is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your silver ragwort:
Water: Water your plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: You can fertilize your plant with a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: Jacobaea Maritima prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones: Jacobaea Maritima is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Jacobaea Maritima is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the pests and diseases that can affect your silver ragwort:
Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to become distorted or discolored. You can control aphids by spraying your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves of your plant. You can control them by using slug and snail bait or by handpicking them off your plant.
Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause grayish-brown spots on the leaves and stems of your plant. You can control botrytis by removing infected plant parts and improving air circulation around your plant.
Habitat
Jacobaea Maritima is native to the Mediterranean region but has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant is commonly found in rocky or sandy areas, along coastal cliffs, and in disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Jacobaea Maritima a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Jacobaea Maritima is a good plant for beginners because it is low-maintenance and easy to care for.Q: Can I grow Jacobaea Maritima in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Jacobaea Maritima in a container as long as the container has good drainage and the plant receives enough sunlight.Q: Can I propagate Jacobaea Maritima?
A: Yes, you can propagate Jacobaea Maritima by taking stem cuttings in the spring or fall.Q: Is Jacobaea Maritima toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Jacobaea Maritima is toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms if ingested.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Jacobaea Maritima:
- Jacobaea Aquatica
- Jacobaea Incana
- Jacobaea Vulgaris
References
- “Jacobaea maritima.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c101.
- “Dusty miller.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/24947/Senecio-cineraria/Details.
- “Senecio cineraria (silver ragwort).” PlantZAfrica. Accessed August 20, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/senecio-cineraria.
