Lasthenia Minor

Description

Lasthenia Minor, commonly known as yellow-rayed goldfields, is a species of flowering plant in the aster family, native to California. It is an annual herb that grows up to 50 centimeters tall and 15 centimeters wide. The plant has a taproot and stems that are hairy, erect or ascending, and branched from the base. The leaves are deeply lobed with toothed margins and are covered in fine hairs. The flowers are yellow and bloom from March to June, producing small achenes with a pappus of bristles.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Lasthenia

Appearance

Lasthenia Minor has a distinct appearance with its hairy stems, deeply lobed leaves with toothed margins, and yellow flowers. The plant grows up to 50 centimeters tall and 15 centimeters wide, and blooms from March to June. The flowers are small and yellow, with a diameter of about 2 centimeters. The plant produces small achenes with a pappus of bristles that aid in seed dispersal. The leaves and stems are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a fuzzy texture.

Care Guide

Lasthenia Minor is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in well-draining soils and full sunlight. It is tolerant of drought conditions and does not require frequent watering. However, the plant can benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. It is important to avoid overwatering and to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. Lasthenia Minor is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Lasthenia Minor is generally disease and pest-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions or if the soil is consistently moist. Pests such as aphids and spider mites may also occasionally infest the plant. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Lasthenia Minor is native to California and can be found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands. The plant grows well in well-draining soils and full sunlight. It is commonly found in areas with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Lasthenia Minor be grown indoors?
A: Lasthenia Minor is typically grown outdoors and may not thrive in indoor conditions.
Q: Is Lasthenia Minor a perennial or annual plant?
A: Lasthenia Minor is an annual plant.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Lasthenia Minor?
A: Lasthenia Minor prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Q: How often should Lasthenia Minor be fertilized?
A: Lasthenia Minor can benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, but over-fertilization should be avoided.

Related Plants

• Lasthenia Californica
• Lasthenia Glabrata
• Lasthenia Lewisii
• Lasthenia Microglossa

References

• “Lasthenia Minor.” Calflora. Accessed 23 September 2021. http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Lasthenia+minor
• “Lasthenia Minor.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 23 September 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LAMI
• “Yellow-Rayed Goldfields.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed 23 September 2021. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/lasthenia-minor