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Description
Phyla Lanceolata, commonly known as Fogfruit or Turkey Tangle, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in open, moist areas such as meadows, swamps, and along the banks of streams and ponds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Phyla |
Appearance
Fogfruit has lance-shaped leaves that are dark green and glossy. The leaves grow up to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. The plant produces small white or lavender flowers that bloom from June to October. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Care Guide
Fogfruit is easy to care for and can be grown in most soil types. Here are some tips for growing and caring for Fogfruit:- Water: Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Fogfruit can grow in most soil types, but prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Fogfruit prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but may not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: Fogfruit is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Fogfruit is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. If you notice signs of disease, treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Fogfruit is native to North America and can be found growing in open, moist areas such as meadows, swamps, and along the banks of streams and ponds. It is commonly used in rain gardens and other wetland restoration projects.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Fogfruit deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Fogfruit is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Fogfruit be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Fogfruit can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Is Fogfruit a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Fogfruit produces small white or lavender flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Fogfruit be fertilized?
A: Fogfruit should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
– Lantana- Verbena- Salvia
References
– “Phyla lanceolata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287401.- “Phyla lanceolata.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHLA.- “Fogfruit.” North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/phyla-lanceolata/.
