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Description
Tephrosia Rugelii, also known as Rugel’s hoarypea, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States, specifically in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has a hairy stem. Its leaves are pinnately compound with 9-19 leaflets that are oval-shaped and gray-green in color. The plant produces pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in the summer and fall months. Tephrosia Rugelii is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use for growth.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Tephrosia |
Appearance
Tephrosia Rugelii has an upright, bushy growth habit with a hairy stem. Its leaves are pinnately compound with 9-19 leaflets that are oval-shaped and gray-green in color. The plant produces pinkish-purple flowers that are arranged in a raceme and bloom in the summer and fall months. The flowers are about 1.5 cm long and have a sweet fragrance. The plant’s fruit is a legume that contains up to six seeds.
Care Guide
Tephrosia Rugelii is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Tephrosia Rugelii prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilization. You can fertilize it once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Tephrosia Rugelii prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can add organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as much.
- Hardiness Zones: Tephrosia Rugelii can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tephrosia Rugelii is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it may be affected by spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. If you notice any of these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them. The plant may also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet. Make sure to plant it in well-draining soil and water it only when the soil is dry.
Habitat
Tephrosia Rugelii is native to the southeastern United States, specifically in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. It grows in open woods, prairies, and along roadsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tephrosia Rugelii a nitrogen-fixing plant?
A: Yes, Tephrosia Rugelii is a nitrogen-fixing plant. This means it can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use for growth.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Tephrosia Rugelii?
A: Tephrosia Rugelii can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.
Q: What pests can affect Tephrosia Rugelii?
A: Tephrosia Rugelii may be affected by spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs.
Q: What is the habitat of Tephrosia Rugelii?
A: Tephrosia Rugelii is native to the southeastern United States and grows in open woods, prairies, and along roadsides.
Related Plants
- Tephrosia Virginiana
- Tephrosia Apollinea
- Tephrosia Crotalarioides
- Tephrosia Grandiflora
References
- “Tephrosia rugelii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m100.
- “Tephrosia rugelii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TERU4.
- “Tephrosia rugelii.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=TERU4.
