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Description
Lasianthaea Podocephala, also known as the Sierra Nevada mountain-cushion or Sierra Nevada woolly sunflower, is a beautiful wildflower native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. This perennial plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and grows in clumps, reaching up to 12 inches in height and up to 24 inches in width. It produces stunning yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, adding a pop of color to any garden or landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Lasianthaea |
Appearance
Lasianthaea Podocephala has a unique appearance, with its woolly leaves and stems that are covered in fine, silky hairs. The leaves are oval-shaped and grow up to 1 inch long, while the flowers are bright yellow and grow up to 2 inches wide. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden.
Care Guide
Lasianthaea Podocephala is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant your Lasianthaea Podocephala in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so make sure it gets plenty of sunlight each day.
- Hardiness Zones: Lasianthaea Podocephala is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lasianthaea Podocephala is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep your plant healthy by watering it regularly and keeping it properly fertilized. If you do notice pests or disease, treat your plant with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Lasianthaea Podocephala is native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, where it grows in rocky, well-drained soils at elevations of up to 11,000 feet. It prefers cool, moist conditions and can be found growing in meadows, forests, and other open areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lasianthaea Podocephala be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: Does Lasianthaea Podocephala require pruning?
A: No, this plant does not require pruning. However, you can deadhead the flowers to promote new growth and a longer blooming season.
Q: How often should I fertilize Lasianthaea Podocephala?
A: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Lasianthaea Podocephala toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that this plant is toxic to pets. However, it is always a good idea to keep pets away from plants to prevent accidental ingestion.
Related Plants
- Lasianthaea macrocephala
- Lasianthaea latifolia
- Lasianthaea pinnatifida
References
- “Lasianthaea Podocephala” California Native Plant Society
- “Lasianthaea Podocephala” UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County
- “Sierra Nevada Woolly Sunflower” Las Pilitas Nursery
