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Description
Mitella Stauropetala, commonly known as the Alpine Mitrewort, is a small herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Saxifrage family. It is native to North America and is found growing in the alpine and subalpine regions of the Rocky Mountains. The plant is characterized by its delicate white and pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant is a popular choice for rock gardens and can be grown in containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Mitella |
Appearance
Mitella Stauropetala grows up to 15 cm tall and has a basal rosette of leaves that are palmately lobed. The leaves are green and hairy. The flowers are small and white, with pinkish-red petals that are deeply lobed. The inflorescence is a spike with flowers arranged in a raceme. The plant blooms from May to July, and the flowers are followed by small, dry fruits.
Care Guide
Mitella Stauropetala requires well-draining soil and partial to full shade. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate dry conditions. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot weather. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-7. It is best to plant it in the fall or early spring.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mitella Stauropetala is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-draining soil. It is also vulnerable to slug and snail damage, which can be controlled by handpicking or using commercial slug baits.
Habitat
Mitella Stauropetala is native to North America and is found growing in the alpine and subalpine regions of the Rocky Mountains. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. The plant is often found growing in rock crevices or on rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Mitella Stauropetala be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Mitella Stauropetala can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives partial to full shade.
Q: When is the best time to plant Mitella Stauropetala?
A: The best time to plant Mitella Stauropetala is in the fall or early spring.
Q: Does Mitella Stauropetala require a lot of water?
A: Mitella Stauropetala prefers moist soil but can tolerate dry conditions. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot weather.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Mitella Stauropetala?
A: Mitella Stauropetala is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Related Plants
- Mitella Diphylla
- Mitella Nuda
- Mitella Ovalis
- Mitella Pentandra
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/mitella_stauropetala.shtml
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/mitella-stauropetala-alpine-mitrewort
- https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/alpine-mitrewort
