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Description
Smelowskia Americana, also known as American False Candytuft, is a rare and beautiful plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Native to the western United States and Canada, this perennial herb can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. It is known for its delicate white flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer, attracting bees and butterflies to its nectar.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Smelowskia |
Appearance
Smelowskia Americana has a bushy growth habit with grey-green leaves that are slightly hairy. The leaves are lance-shaped and can grow up to 3 inches long. The plant produces clusters of small white flowers that have four petals and a yellow center. The flowers are about 1/4 inch in diameter and bloom from May to July. The plant has a taproot that can grow up to 2 feet deep, making it drought-tolerant and able to survive in harsh conditions.
Care Guide
To ensure the healthy growth of Smelowskia Americana, it is important to follow a few care guidelines:Water: Smelowskia Americana prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: Smelowskia Americana prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, sandy, or rocky soil.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Smelowskia Americana can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
While Smelowskia Americana is generally a hardy plant, it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases:Pests: Aphids and spider mites can occasionally attack this plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.Diseases: This plant is not prone to any specific diseases, but it can develop root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Smelowskia Americana is native to the western United States and Canada, where it grows in rocky, dry areas such as sagebrush, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and alpine areas. It can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Smelowskia Americana grow in containers?A: Yes, this plant can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate its taproot.Q: Can Smelowskia Americana be propagated from cuttings?A: No, this plant is best propagated from seeds.Q: Does Smelowskia Americana attract pollinators?A: Yes, this plant attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers.Q: Is Smelowskia Americana deer-resistant?A: Yes, this plant is deer-resistant.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Brassicaceae family include:
- Arabis
- Aubrieta
- Brassica
- Camelina
- Capsella
- Cardamine
- Draba
- Eruca
- Hesperis
- Iberis
References
- “Smelowskia Americana.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 25 June 2021.
- “Smelowskia Americana.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 25 June 2021.
- “American False Candytuft (Smelowskia Americana).” Illinois Wildflowers. Accessed 25 June 2021.
