Physaria Bellii

Description

Physaria Bellii, also known as Bell’s twinpod, is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family. It is native to the western United States and Canada, specifically in the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains regions. The plant is named after John Graham Bell, a Canadian botanist who studied the flora of the Rocky Mountains.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Physaria Bellii is a low-growing perennial herb that can reach up to 8 inches in height. It has a woody stem and small, oval-shaped leaves. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers have four petals and are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit of the plant is a two-seeded pod that splits open when mature, revealing two shiny black seeds.

Care Guide

Physaria Bellii is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sun. Here are some care tips:

• Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
• Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to thrive.
• Hardiness Zones: Physaria Bellii is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Physaria Bellii is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it may be affected by aphids, whiteflies, and flea beetles. To prevent infestations, keep the area around the plant free of debris and maintain good airflow. If necessary, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.

Habitat

Physaria Bellii is native to the western United States and Canada, where it grows in dry, rocky areas at elevations of up to 10,000 feet. The plant is commonly found in sagebrush, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and mountain meadows.

Question and Answer

• Q: Is Physaria Bellii an invasive species?
• A: No, Physaria Bellii is not considered an invasive species.
• Q: Can Physaria Bellii be grown in containers?
• A: Yes, Physaria Bellii can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives full sun.
• Q: How often should Physaria Bellii be fertilized?
• A: Physaria Bellii should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Q: When is the best time to plant Physaria Bellii?
• A: The best time to plant Physaria Bellii is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild.

Related Plants

• Physaria globosa
• Physaria ludoviciana
• Physaria kingii
• Physaria montana

References

• “Physaria Bellii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHBE8. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021.
• “Physaria Bellii.” USDA Plants Database, United States Department of Agriculture, plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PHBE8. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021.
• Bell, John Graham. “The Flora of the Rocky Mountains and Adjacent Plains.” The American Naturalist, vol. 38, no. 452, 1904, pp. 881–883. JSTOR, doi:10.1086/276308.