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Description
Noccaea Caerulescens, also known as Alpine penny-cress, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to the European Alps and is known for its ability to grow in soils that are high in heavy metals, making it an important species for phytoremediation. Noccaea Caerulescens is a small plant that typically grows to be around 10-20cm tall. It has small blue flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Noccaea |
Appearance
Noccaea Caerulescens is a small plant that typically grows to be around 10-20cm tall. It has small blue flowers that bloom in the summer months. The leaves of this plant are oval in shape and are a bluish-green color. The stems of Noccaea Caerulescens are thin and wiry, and the plant has a delicate appearance overall.
Care Guide
Noccaea Caerulescens is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for this plant:- Water: Noccaea Caerulescens prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water this plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization, as it is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils.- Soil: Noccaea Caerulescens prefers well-draining, sandy soils that are slightly acidic.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: Noccaea Caerulescens is hardy to USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Noccaea Caerulescens is not typically affected by pests and diseases. However, it is important to keep an eye out for the following:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing damage.- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves of the plant, causing damage.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery film to appear on the leaves of the plant.
Habitat
Noccaea Caerulescens is native to the European Alps and can be found growing in rocky, mountainous areas. This plant is adapted to grow in soils that are high in heavy metals, making it an important species for phytoremediation.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Noccaea Caerulescens a good plant for phytoremediation?
A: Yes, Noccaea Caerulescens is known for its ability to grow in soils that are high in heavy metals, making it an important species for phytoremediation.
Q: What type of soil does Noccaea Caerulescens prefer?
A: Noccaea Caerulescens prefers well-draining, sandy soils that are slightly acidic.
Q: Does Noccaea Caerulescens require fertilization?
A: No, this plant does not require fertilization, as it is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Noccaea Caerulescens?
A: Noccaea Caerulescens is hardy to USDA zones 4-9.
Related Plants
– Arabidopsis thaliana- Thlaspi arvense- Alyssum montanum- Crambe maritima
References
– “Noccaea caerulescens.” Plantwise Knowledge Bank. https://www.plantwise.org/knowledgebank/datasheet/19771- “Noccaea caerulescens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c862- “Noccaea caerulescens.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11988/i-Noccaea-caerulescens-i/Details
