Contents
Description
Tidestromia Lanuginosa, commonly known as woolly tidestromia or lamb’s quarters, is a small, perennial desert shrub that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it thrives in hot and dry climates. The woolly tidestromia can grow up to 2 feet tall and has a spread of 2-3 feet. Its leaves are gray-green, woolly, and covered in soft hairs that help the plant retain moisture. The woolly tidestromia blooms from June to October and produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that grow in clusters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Tidestromia |
Appearance
The woolly tidestromia is a low-growing, compact shrub that can reach up to 2 feet in height and 2-3 feet in width. Its leaves are gray-green, woolly, and covered in soft hairs that help the plant retain moisture. The leaves are also alternate, simple, and have wavy margins. The woolly tidestromia blooms from June to October and produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers are not showy and do not have any fragrance. After blooming, the plant produces small, dry fruits that contain seeds.
Care Guide
Water
The woolly tidestromia is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require much watering. Water the plant sparingly during the growing season, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.
Fertilization
The woolly tidestromia does not require much fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring, but be careful not to over-fertilize the plant.
Soil
The woolly tidestromia prefers well-drained, sandy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and does not require much organic matter. Avoid planting this shrub in heavy, clay soil.
Sunlight
The woolly tidestromia requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not grow or bloom as well in shady conditions.
Hardiness Zones
The woolly tidestromia can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Common Pests & Diseases
The woolly tidestromia is a relatively disease-resistant plant that does not have many pest problems. However, it can be affected by spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
The woolly tidestromia is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in hot and dry desert habitats. It can be found in sandy or rocky soil in areas with little rainfall. This plant is adapted to survive in harsh conditions and can tolerate extreme temperatures and drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the woolly tidestromia a good plant for landscaping?
A: Yes, the woolly tidestromia is a great plant for landscaping in hot and dry climates. It can be used as a ground cover or planted in rock gardens. The plant’s silver-gray foliage provides a nice contrast to other plants.
Q: Does the woolly tidestromia attract bees or other pollinators?
A: Yes, the woolly tidestromia produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. However, the flowers are not showy and do not have any fragrance.
Q: Can the woolly tidestromia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the woolly tidestromia can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the plant receives plenty of sunlight. However, the plant may not grow as large or produce as many flowers as it would in the ground.
Q: How often should I prune my woolly tidestromia?
A: The woolly tidestromia does not require much pruning. You can trim back any dead or damaged branches in the spring, but otherwise, the plant can be left to grow naturally.
Related Plants
- Tidestromia oblongifolia
- Tidestromia suffruticosa
- Tidestromia lanuginosa var. lanata
- Atriplex canescens
- Chrysothamnus nauseosus
References
- “Tidestromia lanuginosa.” Arizona State University. https://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/si_bios.php?genus=Tidestromia&species=lanuginosa (accessed July 15, 2021).
- “Woolly Tidestromia.” Las Pilitas Nursery. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/tidestromia-lanuginosa (accessed July 15, 2021).
- “Tidestromia lanuginosa.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TILA9 (accessed July 15, 2021).
