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Description
Justicia Pilosella, commonly known as the Hairy water willow, is an aquatic plant belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in swamps, marshes, and along the edges of streams and ponds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Justicia |
Appearance
The Hairy water willow has lance-shaped leaves that are up to 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and have a hairy surface. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and produces purple or pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. The flowers are tubular and grow in clusters at the end of the stem.
Care Guide
The Hairy water willow requires a lot of water and prefers to be grown in moist soil or shallow water. It can be planted in a container and submerged in a pond or grown in a bog garden. The plant should be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hairy water willow is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soil or stagnant water. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, but they are easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Hairy water willow is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in swamps, marshes, and along the edges of streams and ponds. It is also commonly grown in water gardens and bog gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Hairy water willow be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container and submerged in a pond or grown in a bog garden.
Q: What is the preferred sunlight for the Hairy water willow?
A: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Hairy water willow?
A: The plant is hardy in zones 8-11.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of the Hairy water willow?
A: The plant can be susceptible to root rot, aphids, and spider mites.
Related Plants
- Justicia Americana
- Justicia Carnea
- Justicia Flava
- Justicia Spicigera
References
- “Justicia Pilosella – Hairy Water Willow.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c654.
- “Justicia Pilosella.” Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/55530/.
- “Justicia Pilosella – Plant Finder.” Gardenia.net, www.gardenia.net/plant/justicia-pilosella-hairy-water-willow.
