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Description
Micranthes Stellaris, also known as Starry Saxifrage, is a beautiful alpine plant that is native to the Rocky Mountains in North America. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family and has small, star-shaped flowers that bloom in early summer. The flowers are usually white or pink and have five petals that are deeply notched. The leaves are basal and are either rounded or heart-shaped with a toothed margin.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ———– | ——— | ——–| ——-| ——-| ————–| —————|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Saxifragales | Saxifragaceae | Micranthes|
Appearance
Micranthes Stellaris is a low-growing perennial plant that can reach a height of 10-20cm. The leaves are usually 2-5cm long and 1.5-3cm wide. They are dark green in color and have a waxy texture. The flowers are small, measuring 5-10mm in diameter, and are star-shaped with five petals. They bloom in early summer and can last for several weeks. The flowers are usually white or pink, but can also be yellow or red.
Care Guide
Micranthes Stellaris is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold temperatures and drought conditions. It is best grown in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in hardiness zones 3-8. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Common Pests & Diseases
Micranthes Stellaris is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered. Pests such as aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Micranthes Stellaris is a native plant of the Rocky Mountains in North America. It is usually found growing in high-altitude meadows and rocky outcrops. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate cold temperatures and drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Micranthes Stellaris?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.
Q: What is the best soil for Micranthes Stellaris?
A: Micranthes Stellaris prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
Q: What pests can be a problem for Micranthes Stellaris?
A: Aphids and spider mites can be a problem, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Micranthes Stellaris?
A: Micranthes Stellaris can be grown in hardiness zones 3-8.
Related Plants
- Micranthes Drummondii
- Micranthes Odontoloma
- Micranthes Petiolaris
- Micranthes Rhomboidea
References
- “Micranthes stellaris”, Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed July 27, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c220.
- “Micranthes stellaris”, Plants of the World Online, accessed July 27, 2021, http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60460328-2.
