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Description
Parietaria Floridana, commonly known as Florida Pellitory, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the nettle family. It is native to Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, but can also be found in other southeastern states. The plant has a delicate appearance with soft, hairy leaves and stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It blooms from March to November with small, greenish-white flowers that grow in clusters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Parietaria |
Appearance
Parietaria Floridana has soft, hairy leaves that are usually 1-2 inches long and 1 inch wide. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and have a lanceolate shape with a pointed tip. The stem of the plant is also hairy, and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The flowers of Parietaria Floridana are small and greenish-white, and grow in clusters at the end of the stem. They bloom from March to November, but the peak blooming season is from April to May.
Care Guide
To care for Parietaria Floridana, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil and keep it in a location with partial to full sunlight. It is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering, but it should be watered deeply when the soil is dry. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth. Parietaria Floridana is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Parietaria Floridana is generally a healthy plant that is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by spider mites or aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, so it is important to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Habitat
Parietaria Floridana is native to the southeastern United States, and can be found in a variety of habitats including coastal dunes, pine rocklands, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Parietaria Floridana an invasive species?
A: No, Parietaria Floridana is not considered an invasive species.
Q: Can Parietaria Floridana be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow Parietaria Floridana indoors, as it requires partial to full sunlight and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water Parietaria Floridana?
A: Parietaria Floridana is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering, but should be watered deeply when the soil is dry.
Q: Can Parietaria Floridana be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Parietaria Floridana can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or early summer.
Related Plants
- Parietaria judaica
- Parietaria officinalis
- Parietaria pensylvanica
References
- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). Parietaria floridana. Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp149
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Parietaria floridana. Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PAFL4
