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Description
Townsendia exscapa, also known as the stemless townsendia or stemless daisy, is a small, herbaceous perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to western North America, where it can be found growing in rocky, mountainous areas at elevations of 3000-12000 feet. The plant has a basal rosette of narrow, linear leaves and produces solitary, daisy-like flowers on short stems in early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Townsendia |
Appearance
The stemless townsendia is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 3-8 inches and a spread of 6-12 inches. It has a basal rosette of narrow, linear leaves that are up to 4 inches long and less than 1/4 inch wide. The leaves are gray-green in color and have a woolly texture. The plant produces solitary, daisy-like flowers on short stems that are 3-6 inches tall. The flowers have yellow centers and white or pinkish-purple petals that are up to 1 inch long.
Care Guide
The stemless townsendia is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in the spring with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.
- Soil: The stemless townsendia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: The stemless townsendia prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure your plant gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The stemless townsendia is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The stemless townsendia is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, avoid getting water on the leaves and make sure the plant has good air circulation. If you do notice signs of disease, treat your plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
The stemless townsendia is native to western North America, where it can be found growing in rocky, mountainous areas at elevations of 3000-12000 feet. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my stemless townsendia?
A: Water your plant regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What kind of soil does the stemless townsendia prefer?
A: The stemless townsendia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect the stemless townsendia?
A: The stemless townsendia is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the stemless townsendia?
A: The stemless townsendia is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
- Townsendia parryi
- Townsendia grandiflora
- Townsendia hookeri
- Townsendia eximia
References
- Flora of North America: Townsendia exscapa
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Townsendia exscapa
- Plant Delights Nursery: Townsendia exscapa
