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Description
Reseda Lutea, commonly known as Wild Mignonette or Yellow Mignonette, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Resedaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but can now be found in other parts of the world. It is an annual or biennial herb that can grow up to 70cm tall. The plant produces clusters of yellow flowers that bloom from May to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Capparales |
| Family | Resedaceae |
| Genus | Reseda |
Appearance
Reseda Lutea has a slender stem that grows upright and branched. Its leaves are alternate, narrow, and lanceolate in shape, with a length of 2-6cm. The plant produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that are about 3mm in diameter. The flowers have five petals and bloom in racemes that are 5-15cm long. The fruits of this plant are capsules that are cylindrical in shape and contain about 10 seeds.
Care Guide
Reseda Lutea is a hardy plant that can withstand different types of soil and weather conditions. However, to ensure optimal growth and blooming, it is recommended to follow these care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: Reseda Lutea can grow in different types of soil, but it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so it should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Reseda Lutea can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Reseda Lutea is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to some issues such as:
- Aphids: These pests can cause deformities in the plant and should be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and should be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and should be controlled using a fungicide.
Habitat
Reseda Lutea is native to Europe and Asia but can now be found in other parts of the world, including North America. It is commonly found in meadows, fields, and waste places. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought and hot weather conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Reseda Lutea a perennial or annual plant?
A: Reseda Lutea can be an annual or biennial plant, depending on the growing conditions.
Q: What is the ideal growing condition for Reseda Lutea?
A: Reseda Lutea prefers well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, and regular watering.
Q: What is the meaning of Reseda Lutea?
A: Reseda Lutea comes from the Latin word “resedo,” which means “to calm.” The plant was used in ancient times for its calming properties.
Q: Can Reseda Lutea be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Reseda Lutea has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Related Plants
- Reseda Alba (White Mignonette)
- Reseda Odorata (Fragrant Mignonette)
- Reseda Luteola (Dyer’s Rocket)
References
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/Reseda-lutea
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/reseda-lutea-wild-mignonette
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RELU
