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Description
Tetraena Chrysopteros, commonly known as the golden crownbeard, is a shrub in the sunflower family, native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The plant produces small yellow flowers in late summer and early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Tetraena |
Appearance
The Tetraena Chrysopteros plant has thin, grey-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are oblong in shape and can grow up to 2 inches long. The plant’s branches are thin and woody, with a yellowish-brown color. The small yellow flowers grow in clusters at the ends of the branches, and each flower has 5 petals. The plant’s fruit is a small, dry seed with a feathery plume.
Care Guide
The Tetraena Chrysopteros plant is easy to care for and does well in hot and dry conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. Amend the soil with compost or sand if needed to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun and can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Tetraena Chrysopteros plant is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Aphids and spider mites can sometimes infest the plant, but they can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Tetraena Chrysopteros plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in desert and semi-desert habitats, including rocky slopes, canyons, and washes.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Tetraena Chrysopteros plant?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months.
Q: What kind of soil does the Tetraena Chrysopteros plant prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. Amend the soil with compost or sand if needed to improve drainage.
Q: Is the Tetraena Chrysopteros plant drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, the plant is drought-tolerant and can do well in hot and dry conditions.
Q: How tall and wide can the Tetraena Chrysopteros plant grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Tetraena fontanesii
- Tetraena simplex
- Tetraena tortuosa
References
- “Tetraena chrysoptera.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – The University of Texas at Austin. Accessed September 19, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TECH.
- “Tetraena chrysoptera.” Plants of the World Online – Kew Science. Accessed September 19, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:251568-1.
- “Tetraena chrysoptera.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed September 19, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=TECH.
