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Description
Mertensia Franciscana, commonly known as Franciscan bluebells, is a rare and endangered species of flowering plant in the borage family. It is endemic to the serpentine soils of the Franciscan Formation in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties, California. The plant was first discovered in the 1930s and was not seen again until 1987. It is considered one of the most endangered plants in California.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Mertensia |
Appearance
Mertensia Franciscana is a perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has blue-violet bell-shaped flowers that bloom from March to May. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The leaves are narrow and elongated, with a bluish-green color. The plant has a taproot that grows deep into the soil.
Care Guide
Water: Mertensia Franciscana requires moderate watering during its growing season. It prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization. It is recommended to add a slow-release fertilizer during the flowering season.Soil: The plant prefers serpentine soils that are rich in magnesium and low in calcium. It can tolerate acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.Sunlight: Mertensia Franciscana prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade but may not bloom as well.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mertensia Franciscana is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.
Habitat
Mertensia Franciscana is endemic to the serpentine soils of the Franciscan Formation in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties, California. The plant grows in open grasslands and scrublands at elevations of 30 to 200 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mertensia Franciscana easy to grow?
A: No, Mertensia Franciscana is a rare and endangered plant that requires specific growing conditions.Q: Can Mertensia Franciscana grow in full shade?
A: Yes, Mertensia Franciscana can tolerate full shade but may not bloom as well.Q: What is the blooming season for Mertensia Franciscana?
A: The plant blooms from March to May.Q: Is Mertensia Franciscana susceptible to any pests or diseases?
A: The plant is relatively pest and disease-free but may be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.
Related Plants
- Mertensia ciliata
- Mertensia maritima
- Mertensia paniculata
- Mertensia virginica
References
- California Native Plant Society. (2021). Mertensia franciscana. https://www.cnps.org/guide/plants/mertensia-franciscana
- NatureServe. (2021). Mertensia franciscana. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.160461/Mertensia_franciscana
- United States Department of Agriculture. (2021). Plants Profile for Mertensia franciscana. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MEFR2
