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Description
Phacelia Humilis, also known as Dwarf Phacelia or Wild Heliotrope, is a small, annual plant that is native to western North America. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is commonly found in meadows, prairies, and open woods. The plant has a short stem and grows up to a height of 6-18 inches. The leaves are lobed and rough to the touch. The flowers are bell-shaped, lavender-blue, and bloom from April to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Phacelia |
| Species: | Phacelia Humilis |
Appearance
Phacelia Humilis has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. The plant has a short stem and grows up to a height of 6-18 inches. The leaves are rough to the touch and are lobed. The flowers are bell-shaped and bloom in clusters. The color of the flowers is lavender-blue, and they have a pleasant fragrance. The plant produces fruits in the form of small, rounded capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Phacelia Humilis is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water: The plant requires frequent watering, especially during hot weather. It prefers moist soil, but be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer. You can add a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but it thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well.
Hardiness Zones: Phacelia Humilis is hardy in USDA zones 3-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phacelia Humilis is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:
Aphids: Aphids are small, green insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, red or brown insects that feed on the underside of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. It can be prevented by ensuring the soil is well-draining and not overwatering the plant.
Habitat
Phacelia Humilis is native to western North America and is commonly found in meadows, prairies, and open woods. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but it thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phacelia Humilis an annual or perennial plant?
A: Phacelia Humilis is an annual plant.Q: What is the blooming period of Phacelia Humilis?
A: The blooming period of Phacelia Humilis is from April to September.Q: What is the preferred soil pH for Phacelia Humilis?
A: Phacelia Humilis thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil.Q: How tall does Phacelia Humilis grow?
A: Phacelia Humilis grows up to a height of 6-18 inches.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Phacelia Humilis:
- Phacelia Campanularia
- Phacelia Crenulata
- Phacelia Distans
- Phacelia Linearis
- Phacelia Sericea
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHHU2
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/phacelia_humilis.shtml
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/phacelia-humilis
