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Description
Lithophragma Parviflorum Var. Trifoliatum, commonly known as Small-flowered Woodland-star, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Saxifrage family. It is native to the western United States and is often found in moist, shady areas such as woodlands, meadows, and stream banks. The plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer. The flowers are followed by seed capsules that split open to release numerous small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Lithophragma |
| Species | Parviflorum |
| Variety | Trifoliatum |
Appearance
The Small-flowered Woodland-star grows up to 30 cm tall and 20 cm wide. It has basal leaves that are trifoliate, meaning each leaf has three leaflets. The leaflets are toothed and have a deep green color. The stem of the plant is slender and erect, with small white flowers that have five petals. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and are arranged in loose clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from April to June, depending on the location and climate.
Care Guide
The Small-flowered Woodland-star is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Here are some guidelines for its care:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial to full shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: The Small-flowered Woodland-star can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Small-flowered Woodland-star is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by slugs, snails, and aphids. To prevent infestations, keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris. Use organic pest control methods such as handpicking or spraying with a mild soap solution.
Habitat
The Small-flowered Woodland-star is native to the western United States, where it can be found in moist, shady areas such as woodlands, meadows, and stream banks. It prefers cool, moist climates and can tolerate occasional flooding. The plant is often used in landscaping as a groundcover or border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Small-flowered Woodland-star poisonous?
A: No, the plant is not poisonous.
Q: Can the Small-flowered Woodland-star be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept moist and the container is placed in a shady area.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Small-flowered Woodland-star?
A: The plant only requires fertilization once a year in the spring.
Q: How do I propagate the Small-flowered Woodland-star?
A: The plant can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Simply dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections, then plant each section in a new location.
Related Plants
- Lithophragma affine
- Lithophragma bolanderi
- Lithophragma maximum
- Lithophragma parviflorum
- Lithophragma tenellum
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/lithophragma_parviflorum_var_trifoliatum.shtml
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LIPA3
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/lithophragma-parviflorum-var-trifoliatum-small-flowered-woodland-star
