Contents
Description
Orthocarpus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Orobanchaceae. Also known as owl’s clover, Orthocarpus is native to North America and can be found from Alaska to Mexico. This beautiful annual or perennial plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and can bloom from spring through summer. The plant has a unique appearance with dense spikes of flowers that range in color from pale pink to deep purple.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Orthocarpus |
Appearance
Orthocarpus has a unique appearance with dense spikes of flowers that range in color from pale pink to deep purple. The flowers are tubular and have a hooded upper lip and a three-lobed lower lip. The leaves are small and lance-shaped, and the stems are hairy and square-shaped. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and can bloom from spring through summer.
Care Guide
To care for Orthocarpus, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and to ensure that it is planted in the appropriate hardiness zone.Water: Orthocarpus prefers moist but well-drained soil. It is important to water the plant regularly to ensure that the soil stays moist.Fertilization: Orthocarpus does not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.Soil: Orthocarpus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Orthocarpus prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Orthocarpus can thrive in hardiness zones 3-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Orthocarpus is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, it is important to plant Orthocarpus in well-draining soil and to provide good air circulation around the plant. Orthocarpus may also be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Orthocarpus is native to North America and can be found from Alaska to Mexico. It grows in a variety of habitats including meadows, prairies, and open woodlands. Orthocarpus prefers moist but well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Orthocarpus an annual or perennial plant?
A: Orthocarpus can be either an annual or perennial plant.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Orthocarpus?
A: Orthocarpus can thrive in hardiness zones 3-10.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Orthocarpus?
A: Orthocarpus can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites.
Q: What is the appearance of Orthocarpus?
A: Orthocarpus has a unique appearance with dense spikes of flowers that range in color from pale pink to deep purple.
Related Plants
- Castilleja
- Pedicularis
- Collinsia
- Penstemon
- Mimulus
References
- Orthocarpus. (n.d.). Retrieved August 30, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthocarpus
- Owl’s Clover. (n.d.). Retrieved August 30, 2021, from https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/orthocarpus_purpurascens.shtml
- Orthocarpus purpurascens. (n.d.). Retrieved August 30, 2021, from https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Orthocarpus+purpurascens
