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Description
Tetraclea Coulteri, commonly known as Coulter’s tetraclea, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is a perennial herb that is native to the southwestern regions of the United States and northern Mexico. The plant can grow up to 3 feet in height and produces clusters of small, white to pink flowers that bloom from late spring through early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Tetraclea |
Appearance
Tetraclea Coulteri has a unique appearance with its narrow, serrated leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem. The stem itself is covered in fine hairs and can range from green to reddish-brown in color. The flowers are small and white to pink in color, with each bloom measuring roughly 1/8 inch in diameter. The plant produces a taproot and can spread through rhizomes, making it an ideal species for erosion control.
Care Guide
Tetraclea Coulteri is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. However, to ensure optimal growth and health, it is important to provide the right care:
- Water: Coulter’s tetraclea prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought conditions once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish a strong root system.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can provide a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer in the spring if desired.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil, but can tolerate clay soil if it is not waterlogged. It can also tolerate alkaline soil with a pH of up to 8.0.
- Sunlight: Coulter’s tetraclea prefers full sun exposure or partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tetraclea Coulteri is generally disease-resistant and not prone to pest infestation. However, it can occasionally be affected by spider mites or aphids. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Tetraclea Coulteri is native to the southwestern regions of the United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as northern Mexico. It can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, mesas, and dry washes. The plant is well-adapted to arid climates and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tetraclea Coulteri a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, Coulter’s tetraclea can spread through rhizomes and produces a taproot, making it an ideal species for erosion control.
Q: Does Tetraclea Coulteri require fertilizer?
A: The plant does not require fertilization, but a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.
Q: What is the ideal pH for Tetraclea Coulteri soil?
A: The plant can tolerate alkaline soil with a pH of up to 8.0.
Q: What hardiness zones is Tetraclea Coulteri suited for?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10.
Related Plants
- Tetraclea Coulters
- Tetraclea Elatior
- Tetraclea Mexicana
References
- “Tetraclea Coulteri.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TECO.
- “Tetraclea Coulteri.” Arizona Native Plant Society, www.aznps.com/plant-profiles/tetraclea-coulteri.
- “Tetraclea Coulteri.” Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/102308/.
