Contents
Description
Tricardia is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to North America and is commonly found in the southwestern regions of the United States. The genus consists of only two species, Tricardia watsonii and Tricardia undulata. These plants have small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Tricardia |
Appearance
Tricardia plants are small and compact, growing up to 1-2 feet tall. They have narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green in color and can be slightly hairy. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are small and yellow, with a diameter of about 1/4 inch. They bloom in the summer and fall, and are arranged in clusters at the tips of the stems.
Care Guide
Tricardia plants are relatively easy to care for. They prefer well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. They should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. These plants prefer full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tricardia plants are generally pest-free, but they can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Tricardia plants are also prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. To prevent these diseases, ensure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Tricardia plants are native to the southwestern regions of the United States, including California, Arizona, and New Mexico. They can be found growing in rocky or sandy soils in desert areas, as well as in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Tricardia plants drought tolerant?
A: While these plants can tolerate dry conditions, they prefer consistently moist soil and may not thrive in prolonged drought conditions.
Q: How often should Tricardia plants be watered?
A: These plants should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the conditions of the environment and the soil type.
Q: Can Tricardia plants be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Tricardia plants can be grown in containers as long as they have well-draining soil and are watered regularly.
Q: How long do Tricardia plants typically live?
A: Tricardia plants are perennials and can live for several years with proper care.
Related Plants
- Coreopsis
- Achillea
- Echinacea
- Rudbeckia
References
- “Tricardia watsonii.” USDA Plants Database. United States Department of Agriculture. Accessed October 22, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=TRWA.
- “Tricardia undulata.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. University of Texas at Austin. Accessed October 22, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TRUN.
- “Tricardia.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 22, 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Compositae/Tricardia/.
