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Description
Micranthes Rufidula, also known as rusty saxifrage, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in rocky crevices, ledges, and gravelly areas in the western United States and Canada. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Micranthes |
Appearance
Micranthes Rufidula has small, basal leaves that are oblong to spatulate in shape and are typically gray-green or bluish-green in color. The leaves are hairy and have toothed margins. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that are typically pink to reddish-purple in color and have five petals. The flowers are held on long, slender stems that rise above the foliage. The plant typically grows to a height of 10-20 cm and has a spread of 20-30 cm.
Care Guide
Micranthes Rufidula prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant requires moderate watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It is important to keep the plant free of debris and to remove any dead or damaged foliage to prevent disease.
Common Pests & Diseases
Micranthes Rufidula is susceptible to root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. The plant is also attractive to aphids and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Micranthes Rufidula is native to rocky crevices, ledges, and gravelly areas in the western United States and Canada. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions. It can be found in alpine meadows, subalpine habitats, and montane forests.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Micranthes Rufidula a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Micranthes Rufidula can tolerate dry conditions.
Q: What is the blooming period of Micranthes Rufidula?
A: Micranthes Rufidula typically blooms in late spring and early summer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Micranthes Rufidula?
A: Micranthes Rufidula is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Q: What is the common name of Micranthes Rufidula?
A: Micranthes Rufidula is also known as rusty saxifrage.
Related Plants
- Micranthes Odontoloma
- Micranthes Petiolaris
- Micranthes Pentadactylon
- Micranthes Rhomboidea
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/micranthes_rufidula.shtml
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MIRU3
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MIRU3
