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Description
Melampodium Sericeum, commonly known as Blackfoot Daisy, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Southern United States, particularly Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and can also be found in parts of Mexico. This perennial plant is known for its ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions, making it a popular choice for xeriscapes and rock gardens. It typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches and a width of 18 to 24 inches. The plant produces small daisy-like flowers with white or yellow petals and a yellow center, which bloom from spring to fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Melampodium |
Appearance
The Melampodium Sericeum plant has an attractive, bushy appearance with small, dark green leaves that are finely textured. The leaves are typically 1 to 2 inches long and 1/4 inch wide. The plant produces numerous small daisy-like flowers with white or yellow petals and a yellow center. The flowers are typically 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide and bloom from spring to fall. The plant has a compact growth habit and typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches and a width of 18 to 24 inches.
Care Guide
Melampodium Sericeum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is not too rich in nutrients. Use a cactus or succulent mix for best results.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions, but may require some shade in very hot climates.- Hardiness Zones: Melampodium Sericeum is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Melampodium Sericeum is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing wilting and distortion of the leaves. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap to control aphids.- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or use a miticide to control spider mites.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide to control powdery mildew.
Habitat
Melampodium Sericeum is native to the Southern United States, particularly Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and can also be found in parts of Mexico. It is often found growing in dry, rocky soil and is well-adapted to hot and dry conditions. The plant is a popular choice for xeriscapes and rock gardens, but can also be grown in containers or as a border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Melampodium Sericeum deer-resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is generally considered deer-resistant.
Q: Can Melampodium Sericeum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and not too rich.
Q: How often should I fertilize Melampodium Sericeum?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Melampodium Sericeum tolerate hot and dry conditions?
A: Yes, this plant is well-adapted to hot and dry conditions and is drought-tolerant.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may be interested in:- Melampodium leucanthum- Zinnia grandiflora- Gaillardia pulchella- Coreopsis tinctoria- Eschscholzia californica
References
– “Melampodium Sericeum.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 28 Apr 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MESER.- “Blackfoot Daisy.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Accessed 28 Apr 2021. https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/2004/jul04/Blackfoot.html.- “Melampodium Sericeum.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 28 Apr 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280272&isprofile=0&basic=melampodium%20sericeum.
