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Description
Lepidium Appelianum, commonly known as Appel’s peppercress, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, particularly in Oregon and Washington. The plant grows up to 50 centimeters tall and has an erect stem with small white flowers that bloom from May to September. The leaves are green and pinnately lobed, with each leaf having 3-11 leaflets.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Lepidium |
Appearance
Lepidium Appelianum has an attractive appearance, with its delicate white flowers and green leaves. The plant has an upright stem that grows up to 50 centimeters tall. The leaves are pinnately lobed and have a serrated edge. Each leaf has 3-11 leaflets that are oblong to elliptic in shape. The flowers are small and white, with four petals that form a cross shape. They bloom from May to September and are followed by small, round seed pods.
Care Guide
Lepidium Appelianum is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.Sunlight: Lepidium Appelianum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.Hardiness Zones: Lepidium Appelianum is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lepidium Appelianum is generally a pest- and disease-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. To prevent these diseases, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated and to avoid overhead watering. In terms of pests, aphids and caterpillars may occasionally feed on the plant. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Lepidium Appelianum is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, particularly in Oregon and Washington. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, rocky slopes, and disturbed areas. The plant is commonly found in areas with moist soils and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lepidium Appelianum a good plant for beginners?A: Yes, Lepidium Appelianum is an easy-to-grow plant that is suitable for beginners.Q: How often should I fertilize Lepidium Appelianum?A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Q: Can Lepidium Appelianum tolerate shade?A: Lepidium Appelianum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.Q: How can I control pests on my Lepidium Appelianum plant?A: Aphids and caterpillars may occasionally feed on the plant. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Related Plants
Other plants in the genus Lepidium include:
- Lepidium campestre
- Lepidium draba
- Lepidium heterophyllum
- Lepidium latifolium
References
- USDA Plants Database: Lepidium Appelianum
- University of Washington Burke Museum: Lepidium Appelianum
- Oregon Flora Project: Lepidium Appelianum
