Contents
Description
Zeltnera Arizonica, also known as Arizona bitterroot, is a flowering plant native to the southwestern United States. It belongs to the Gentian family and is a small perennial herb that grows up to 10 cm tall. The plant produces small, bright pink to purple flowers in early to mid-summer. The flowers are tubular in shape, with five petals that are fused at the base. The plant’s leaves are small and basal, forming a rosette at the plant’s base.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledonae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Zeltnera |
Appearance
Zeltnera Arizonica is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 10cm tall. It has a basal rosette of small leaves that are lanceolate in shape. The plant produces small, bright pink to purple flowers that are tubular in shape and have five fused petals. The flowers are approximately 1cm in length and bloom in early to mid-summer. The plant’s fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds.
Care Guide
Zeltnera Arizonica is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Soil: Zeltnera Arizonica prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
- Sunlight: The plant thrives in a bright, sunny location but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Zeltnera Arizonica can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Zeltnera Arizonica is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, the plant may be attacked by aphids or spider mites. To control these pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Zeltnera Arizonica is native to the southwestern United States and can be found growing in rocky, dry, and sandy soils. The plant is often found in open areas, including grasslands and desert scrublands. The plant is well-suited to hot and dry environments and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Zeltnera Arizonica a perennial plant?
A: Yes, Zeltnera Arizonica is a perennial plant that can live for several years.
Q: What is the plant’s hardiness zone?
A: Zeltnera Arizonica can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10.
Q: What is the plant’s preferred soil type?
A: Zeltnera Arizonica prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Q: What color are the plant’s flowers?
A: The plant produces small, bright pink to purple flowers that are tubular in shape and have five fused petals.
Related Plants
- Zeltnera davyi
- Zeltnera exaltata
- Zeltnera muehlenbergii
- Zeltnera namophila
References
- Bontrager, M. (2018). Zeltnera arizonica. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/zeltnera_arizonica.shtml
- Arizona State University. (n.d.). Zeltnera arizonica. Retrieved from https://calscape.org/Zeltnera-arizonica-(Arizona-bitterroot)?srchcr=sc5f3d3bd0c59f9
- USDA. (n.d.). Plants Profile for Zeltnera arizonica. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ZEAR3
