P

Phacelia Humilis

Phacelia Humilis

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

Related Articles

Back to top button