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Description
Paronychia Franciscana is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to North America and is commonly known as San Francisco nailwort or Franciscan nailwort. This plant has a prostrate growth habit and produces small white flowers with five petals. The leaves of Paronychia Franciscana are succulent and hairy, which helps to retain moisture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Paronychia |
Appearance
Paronychia Franciscana has a low, mat-forming growth habit and can spread up to 2 feet wide. The leaves are oval-shaped, succulent, and hairy, measuring about 0.5-1 inch in length. The flowers are small and white, measuring about 0.2-0.3 inches in diameter, and have five petals. The plant blooms from April to June and can be grown as a ground cover or in rock gardens.
Care Guide
Paronychia Franciscana is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Paronychia Franciscana can grow in USDA hardiness zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Paronychia Franciscana is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or grown in poorly drained soil. It is also susceptible to powdery mildew and rust.
Habitat
Paronychia Franciscana is native to North America and is found in dry, rocky or sandy habitats, such as deserts, coastal bluffs, and rocky slopes. It can grow in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Paronychia Franciscana be grown indoors?
A: No, Paronychia Franciscana is an outdoor plant that requires full sun to partial shade.
Q: Does Paronychia Franciscana attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the small white flowers of Paronychia Franciscana attract bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Paronychia Franciscana tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Paronychia Franciscana is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.
Q: How fast does Paronychia Franciscana spread?
A: Paronychia Franciscana can spread up to 2 feet wide in one season.
Related Plants
- Paronychia Capitata
- Paronychia Kelloggii
- Paronychia Serpyllifolia
- Paronychia Utahensis
References
- “Paronychia franciscana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277450.
- “Paronychia franciscana.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/57484/.
- “Plant Database.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PAFR.
