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Description
Pityopsis graminifolia, commonly known as narrowleaf silkgrass or yellow silkgrass, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. This plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall and has narrow, grass-like leaves that are up to 12 inches long. It produces yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Pityopsis |
Appearance
Narrowleaf silkgrass has narrow, grass-like leaves that are up to 12 inches long and about 1/8 inch wide. The leaves are usually green, but they may have a bluish tint. The plant produces yellow flower heads that are up to 1 inch in diameter. Each flower head contains numerous small disk flowers surrounded by several yellow ray flowers. The flowers bloom from late summer to early fall and are attractive to bees and butterflies. In the winter, the plant dies back to the ground.
Care Guide
Water
Narrowleaf silkgrass prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be waterlogged. It is drought-tolerant and can survive on rainfall alone, but it will grow best with regular watering during dry periods. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Narrowleaf silkgrass does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth and flowering.
Soil
This plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but it does not like heavy soils that are prone to waterlogging.
Sunlight
Narrowleaf silkgrass prefers full sun to light shade. It will tolerate partial shade, but it may not flower as well.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Narrowleaf silkgrass is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Narrowleaf silkgrass is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. It grows in a variety of habitats, including pine rocklands, sandhills, and dry prairies. It is adapted to fire, and its seeds require heat to germinate.
Question and Answer
Q: Is narrowleaf silkgrass a good plant for pollinators?
A: Yes, narrowleaf silkgrass produces yellow flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: Can narrowleaf silkgrass grow in heavy clay soil?
A: Narrowleaf silkgrass prefers well-draining soil and may not grow well in heavy clay soils that are prone to waterlogging.
Q: Does narrowleaf silkgrass require fertilization?
A: Narrowleaf silkgrass does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth and flowering.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for narrowleaf silkgrass?
A: Narrowleaf silkgrass is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Related Plants
- Pityopsis aspera
- Pityopsis graminifolia var. latifolia
- Pityopsis pinifolia
- Pityopsis ruthii
References
- USDA Plants Database: Pityopsis graminifolia
- Florida Native Plant Society: Pityopsis graminifolia
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Pityopsis graminifolia
