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Description
Senecio Flaccidus is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as the Pacific Ragwort and can be found in the western parts of North America, from Alaska to California. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has green, lance-shaped leaves that can be up to 6 inches long, and yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Senecio |
Appearance
Senecio Flaccidus has green, lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long. The leaves are smooth and slightly succulent. The plant produces yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers have a diameter of about 1 inch and grow in clusters at the top of the stems. The stems of the plant are upright and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant has a bushy appearance and can spread up to 2 feet wide.
Care Guide
Senecio Flaccidus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your Pacific Ragwort:Water: Pacific Ragwort prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water your plant regularly, but make sure not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize your Pacific Ragwort with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: Pacific Ragwort prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality.Sunlight: Pacific Ragwort prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Pacific Ragwort is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pacific Ragwort is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves. To prevent these diseases, make sure to plant your Pacific Ragwort in a location that has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If your plant does get infected, you can treat it with a fungicide.
Habitat
Pacific Ragwort can be found in the western parts of North America, from Alaska to California. It prefers open, sunny areas and can often be found growing in meadows, along roadsides, and in other disturbed areas. It is commonly found in coastal areas and in the mountains, where it can grow up to elevations of 10,000 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pacific Ragwort a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Pacific Ragwort is an easy-to-care-for plant that is a good choice for beginners.Q: Can Pacific Ragwort be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Pacific Ragwort can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant receives enough sunlight.Q: Does Pacific Ragwort attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Pacific Ragwort is a good plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.Q: Can Pacific Ragwort be propagated?
A: Yes, Pacific Ragwort can be propagated through division or by taking stem cuttings.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Senecio genus include:
- Senecio aureus
- Senecio cineraria
- Senecio mandraliscae
- Senecio rowleyanus
- Senecio serpens
References
- https://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/intermountain_nursery/intermountain_nursery_plant_guide_senecio_flaccidus.htm
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/senecio_flaccidus.shtml
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/senecio-flaccidus-pacific-ragwort
