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Description
Lasthenia Glaberrima, commonly known as Smooth Goldfields, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This annual plant is native to California and Baja California. It typically grows to a height of 30 cm and produces yellow flowers that bloom from March to June. The plant is commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and vernal pools.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Lasthenia |
Appearance
The Smooth Goldfields plant has an upright stem that can grow up to 30 cm tall. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and narrow. The plant produces yellow flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers have 8-12 ray florets and numerous disc florets. The fruit of the plant is an achene that is about 2 mm long. The Smooth Goldfields plant is an attractive plant that can add a pop of color to any garden.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Smooth Goldfields plant thrives, you need to provide it with the right care. Here is a care guide for the plant:
Water
The plant requires moderate watering. It is best to water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure not to water the plant excessively.
Fertilization
The Smooth Goldfields plant does not require regular fertilization. However, you can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Soil
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral.
Sunlight
The Smooth Goldfields plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Smooth Goldfields plant is relatively pest-free. However, it may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
The Smooth Goldfields plant is native to California and Baja California. It is commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and vernal pools. The plant prefers well-drained soil and requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Smooth Goldfields plant a perennial or an annual?
A: The Smooth Goldfields plant is an annual plant.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for the Smooth Goldfields plant?
A: The Smooth Goldfields plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Q: What is the best time to plant Smooth Goldfields?
A: The best time to plant Smooth Goldfields is in the spring after the last frost.
Q: Can Smooth Goldfields be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Smooth Goldfields can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may be interested in:
- Lasthenia Californica
- Lasthenia Fremontii
- Lasthenia Chrysostoma
- Lasthenia Glabrata
References
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Lasthenia+glaberrima
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/lasthenia-glaberrima-smooth-goldfields
- https://calscape.org/Lasthenia-glaberrima-()
