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Description
Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana, also known as squarestem, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in sandy or loamy soils in open fields, meadows, and along roadsides. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and blooms from August to October with yellow flowers that have a diameter of about 1 inch.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Tetragonotheca |
Appearance
Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana has a square stem that is hairy and green. Its leaves are also hairy and can be up to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. The leaves are lanceolate in shape and have toothed edges. The plant blooms in late summer to early fall with yellow flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers have a central disk and 5 to 8 ray petals that are toothed at the tips.
Care Guide
Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to take care of it:- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can add a balanced fertilizer in the spring if you want to encourage more blooms.- Soil: The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil that is well-draining.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew if the plant is grown in a humid environment or if it does not receive enough air circulation. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant is grown in a well-ventilated area and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in sandy or loamy soils in open fields, meadows, and along roadsides. The plant can also be grown in a garden setting and is a good choice for a wildflower meadow or cottage garden.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but you will need to make sure the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Can Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana be propagated by seeds?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in the spring after the last frost and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Q: How often does Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana need to be pruned?
A: The plant does not require regular pruning, but you can cut back the stems after the plant has finished blooming to encourage bushier growth.
Q: Is Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana toxic to pets?
A: The plant is not toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep an eye on pets when introducing new plants into the home or garden.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana:- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)- Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)- Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Coreopsis)- Gaillardia pulchella (Indian Blanket)
References
– “Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 7 September 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278458&isprofile=0– “Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 7 September 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FP/FP43100.pdf– “Tetragonotheca Ludoviciana.” North Carolina State University Extension. Accessed 7 September 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tetragonotheca-ludoviciana/
