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Description
Orthocarpus Tenuifolius is a unique plant in the family Orobanchaceae, commonly known as the slender owl’s clover. It is a small annual herb that grows to a height of about 1 to 3 inches. This plant is native to western North America, where it thrives in open grasslands, meadows, and sagebrush areas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus ||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|——-|| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Lamiales | Orobanchaceae | Orthocarpus |
Appearance
Orthocarpus Tenuifolius has small, narrow leaves that are about 1 inch long and 1/8 inch wide. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are gray-green in color. The stem is slender and hairy, with small pink or purple flowers that bloom from April to July. The flowers are about 1/2 inch long and have a tubular shape, with a distinctive beak-like projection at the tip.
Care Guide
Orthocarpus Tenuifolius is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate standing water. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during periods of drought. – Fertilization: Orthocarpus Tenuifolius does not require fertilizer, but you can apply a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season if desired. – Soil: This plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. – Sunlight: Orthocarpus Tenuifolius thrives in full sun or partial shade. – Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Orthocarpus Tenuifolius is generally free of pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to root rot in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Orthocarpus Tenuifolius is native to western North America, where it thrives in open grasslands, meadows, and sagebrush areas. It is commonly found in California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, and Washington.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Orthocarpus Tenuifolius a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Orthocarpus Tenuifolius is an annual plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Q: Can Orthocarpus Tenuifolius grow in containers?
A: Yes, Orthocarpus Tenuifolius can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Q: What is the best time to plant Orthocarpus Tenuifolius?
A: The best time to plant Orthocarpus Tenuifolius is in the spring, after the last frost date in your area.
Q: How do I propagate Orthocarpus Tenuifolius?
A: You can propagate Orthocarpus Tenuifolius by collecting the seeds in the fall and planting them in the spring. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden or in containers.
Related Plants
– Orthocarpus Attenuatus- Orthocarpus Castillejoides- Orthocarpus Luteus
References
– “Orthocarpus Tenuifolius.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ORTET.- “Slender Owl’s Clover (Orthocarpus Tenuifolius).” California Native Plant Society. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.cnps.org/gardening/gardening-resources/native-plant-articles/slender-owls-clover-orthocarpus-tenuifolius.
