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Description
Rafinesquia Neomexicana, also known as desert chicory or New Mexico plumeseed, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico and can be found in arid regions, especially in sandy or gravelly soils. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has blue or lavender flowers that bloom from spring to fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Rafinesquia |
Appearance
Rafinesquia Neomexicana has a narrow stem that is covered in white hairs. The leaves are also covered in hairs and are deeply lobed, with each lobe having a toothed margin. The flowers are blue or lavender and have a ray and disk structure. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a bushy appearance.
Care Guide
Rafinesquia Neomexicana is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in most soil types, as long as they are well-draining. Here are some care tips for this plant:- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers sandy or gravelly soils that are well-draining.- Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to partial shade to thrive.- Hardiness Zones: Rafinesquia Neomexicana is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rafinesquia Neomexicana is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Root rot: This can occur if the plant is overwatered or if the soil is not well-draining.- Aphids: These small insects can feed on the plant’s sap and cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and webbing on the plant’s leaves.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the plant’s leaves.
Habitat
Rafinesquia Neomexicana is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico and can be found in arid regions, especially in sandy or gravelly soils. The plant can grow in elevations up to 7,000 feet and is commonly found in desert scrub, grasslands, and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Rafinesquia Neomexicana a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, this plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in arid conditions.
Q: Can Rafinesquia Neomexicana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has drainage holes.
Q: Can Rafinesquia Neomexicana be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Q: How often should Rafinesquia Neomexicana be pruned?
A: This plant does not require regular pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms.
Related Plants
– Rafinesquia californica (California chicory)- Rafinesquia neomexicana var. neomexicana (New Mexico plumeseed)- Rafinesquia neomexicana var. hispidula (hispid plumeseed)
References
– “Rafinesquia neomexicana.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 20 October 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RANE4- “Rafinesquia neomexicana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 October 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m190- “Rafinesquia neomexicana.” Arizona State University. Accessed 20 October 2021. https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Rafinesquia&species=neomexicana
