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Description
Stachys Oblongifolia, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Betony, is a flowering perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. It is native to the western United States and can be found growing in rocky or gravelly soils in mountainous regions. The plant produces showy spikes of pink or lavender flowers that bloom in the summer months. The leaves and flowers of Stachys Oblongifolia are edible and have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Stachys |
Appearance
Stachys Oblongifolia grows up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. The plant has a clumping growth habit and produces square stems that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves of Stachys Oblongifolia are oblong in shape, up to 6 inches long, and have a slightly fuzzy texture. The flowers of the plant grow on spikes that can be up to 2 feet tall and are made up of small, tubular flowers that are pink or lavender in color. The flowers bloom in the summer months and attract bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Stachys Oblongifolia is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: Stachys Oblongifolia prefers well-draining soil and does not like to sit in wet conditions. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: Stachys Oblongifolia does not require regular fertilization. However, you can fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.- Soil: Stachys Oblongifolia prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend heavy soils with compost or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Stachys Oblongifolia prefers full sun to part shade. However, the plant can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: Stachys Oblongifolia is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stachys Oblongifolia is relatively pest and disease-free. However, the plant can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or grown in poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, make sure to plant Stachys Oblongifolia in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Stachys Oblongifolia is native to the western United States and can be found growing in mountainous regions with rocky or gravelly soils. The plant is often found growing on rocky slopes, in meadows, or along streams.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I eat the leaves and flowers of Stachys Oblongifolia?
A: Yes, the leaves and flowers of Stachys Oblongifolia are edible and have a slightly minty flavor. They can be used in salads or as a garnish.
Q: Is Stachys Oblongifolia a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Stachys Oblongifolia produces showy spikes of pink or lavender flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Q: Does Stachys Oblongifolia require a lot of water?
A: No, Stachys Oblongifolia prefers well-draining soil and does not like to sit in wet conditions. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Stachys Oblongifolia?
A: Stachys Oblongifolia is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Stachys Oblongifolia:- Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear)- Stachys monieri ‘Hummelo’ (Betony)- Stachys recta (Woundwort)- Stachys sylvatica (Wood Betony)
References
– “Stachys Oblongifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c707.- “Stachys Oblongifolia.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:460425-1.
