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Description
Lepidospartum is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is a small genus with only two species, Lepidospartum burgessii and Lepidospartum squamatum. These plants are native to California and are commonly known as scale-broom due to their scaly branches. They are drought-tolerant and can survive in harsh conditions, making them a popular choice for landscaping in arid regions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Lepidospartum |
Appearance
Lepidospartum plants are small, woody shrubs that grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. They have scaly branches that give them a unique appearance. The leaves are small, narrow, and gray-green in color. The flowers are yellow and bloom in late spring to early summer. They are small and clustered at the ends of the branches. The fruits are achenes that are covered in small scales.
Care Guide
Lepidospartum plants are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for taking care of them:- Water: These plants are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. Water them deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Lepidospartum plants do not require fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if desired.- Soil: These plants prefer well-draining soil that is sandy or rocky. Amend the soil with compost or sand if it is heavy or clayey.- Sunlight: Lepidospartum plants require full sun to thrive. Plant them in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: These plants are hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lepidospartum plants are generally pest and disease-free. However, they may be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. To prevent these pests, keep the plants well-watered and healthy. If infestations occur, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Lepidospartum plants are native to California and are commonly found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. They grow in rocky, well-draining soil and are adapted to drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lepidospartum plants tolerate frost?
A: No, these plants are not frost-tolerant and may be damaged by freezing temperatures.Q: How often do Lepidospartum plants need to be pruned?
A: These plants do not require frequent pruning. However, you can prune them in the spring if desired to maintain their shape.Q: Can Lepidospartum plants be grown in containers?
A: Yes, these plants can be grown in containers as long as the containers are well-draining and the plants receive enough sunlight.Q: Are Lepidospartum plants deer-resistant?
A: Yes, these plants are deer-resistant and are a good choice for landscaping in areas with deer.
Related Plants
– Encelia- Eriophyllum- Haplopappus- Helianthus- Heterotheca
References
– “Lepidospartum squamatum.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=6278- “Lepidospartum burgessii.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LEBU2
