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American cow-wheat
American cow-wheat
American cow-wheat
American cow-wheat
American cow-wheat
American cow-wheat
American cow-wheat
Melampyrum lineare
Also known as : Linear cow-wheat
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Key Facts About American cow-wheat

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Attributes of American cow-wheat

Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Plant Height
15 cm to 41 cm
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
Growth Season
Summer
Pollinators
Beetles, Wasps, Flies
Benefits to Pollinating Insects
Adult food

Symbolism

Scientific Classification of American cow-wheat

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Distribution of American cow-wheat

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Habitat of American cow-wheat

Coniferous and deciduous forests, sandy glades, gravelly terraces, heaths, rocky barrens, coastal headlands, dry meadows, peatlands, fens, roadsides
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of American cow-wheat

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Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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Questions About American cow-wheat

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Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
What is the best way to water my American cow-wheat?
To water American cow-wheat, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or just about any other common watering tool. Generally, American cow-wheat is not too picky about how they receive their water, as they can live off of rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Often, you should try not to water this plant from overhead, as doing so can damage the leaves and flowers and may lead to disease as well. At times, the best method for watering this plant is to set up a drip irrigation system. These systems work well for American cow-wheat as they apply water evenly and directly to the soil. For one American cow-wheat that grows in a container, you can use a similar watering approach while changing the tools you use. To water a container-grown American cow-wheat, use a cup, watering can, or your tap to apply water directly to the soil.
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What should I do if I water my American cow-wheat too much or too little?
The remedy for underwatering American cow-wheat is somewhat obvious. When you notice that your plant lacks moisture, simply begin watering it on a more regular basis. The issue of overwatering can be a much more dire situation, especially if you fail to notice it early. When your American cow-wheat is overwatered, it may contract diseases that lead to its decline and death. The best way to prevent this outcome is to choose a proper growing location, one that receives plenty of sunlight to help dry the soil and has good enough drainage to allow excess water to drain rather than pooling and causing waterlogged soils. If you overwater your American cow-wheat that lives in a pot, you may need to consider changing it to a new pot. Your previous container may not have contained soil with good drainage or may not have had sufficient drainage holes. As you repot your overwatered American cow-wheat, make sure to add loose soils and to use a pot that drains efficiently.
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How often should I water my American cow-wheat?
American cow-wheat needs water regularly throughout the growing season. Beginning in spring, you should plan to water this plant about once per week. As the season presses on and grows warmer, you may need to increase your watering rate to about two to three times per week. Exceeding at this rate can be detrimental to your American cow-wheat. With that said, you should also ensure that the soil in which your American cow-wheat grows remains relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you must water to make that the case. Watering American cow-wheat that lives in a pot is a bit different. Generally, you'll need to increase your watering frequency, as the soil in a pot can heat up and dry out a bit faster than ground soil. As such, you should plan to water a container-grown American cow-wheat a few times per week in most cases, versus just once per week for an in-ground plant.
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How much water does my American cow-wheat need?
There are a few different ways you can go about determining how much water to give to your American cow-wheat. Some gardeners choose to pick their water volume based on feeling the soil for moisture. That method suggests that you should water until you feel that the first six inches of soil have become moist. Alternatively, you can use a set measurement to determine how much to water your American cow-wheat. Typically, you should give your American cow-wheat about two gallons of water per week, depending on how hot it is and how quickly the soil becomes dry. However, following strict guidelines like that can lead to overwatering if your plant requires less than two gallons per week for whatever reason. When growing American cow-wheat in a container, you will need to use a different method to determine how much water to supply. Typically, you should give enough water to moisten all of the layers of soil that have become dry. To test if that is the case, you can simply stick your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. You can also water the soil until you notice a slight trickle of excess water exiting the drainage holes of your pot.
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How can I tell if i'm watering my American cow-wheat enough?
It can be somewhat difficult to avoid overwatering your American cow-wheat. On the one hand, these plants have relatively deep roots that require you to moisten the soil weekly. On the other hand, American cow-wheat are plants that are incredibly susceptible to root rot. Along with root rot, your American cow-wheat may also experience browning as a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely for your American cow-wheat as these plants can survive for a while in the absence of supplemental watering. However, if you go too long without giving this plant water, it will likely begin to wilt. You may also notice dry leaves.
Read More more
How should I water my American cow-wheat through the seasons?
You can expect your American cow-wheat’s water needs to increase as the season moves on. During spring, you should water about once per week. Then, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to give a bit more water to your American cow-wheat, at times increasing to about three times per week. This is especially true of American cow-wheat that grow in containers, as the soil in a container is far more likely to dry out faster than ground soil when the weather is warm. In autumn, while your American cow-wheat is still in bloom, it may need a bit less water as the temperature has likely declined, and the sun is no longer as strong as it was in summer.
Read More more
How should I water my American cow-wheat at different growth stages?
American cow-wheat will move through several different growth stages throughout the year, some of which may require more water than others. For example, you will probably start your American cow-wheat as a seed. While the seed germinates, you should plant to give more water than your American cow-wheat will need later in life, watering often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture. After a few weeks, your American cow-wheat will grow above the soil and may need slightly less water than at the seedling phase. Then, once this plant is mature, you can begin to use the regular watering frequency of about once per week. As flower development takes place, you may need to give slightly more water to aid the process.
Read More more
What's the difference between watering American cow-wheat indoors and outdoors?
There are several reasons why most American cow-wheat grow outdoors rather than indoors. The first is that these plants typically grow to tall. The second reason is that American cow-wheat needs more daily sunlight than most indoor growing locations can provide. If you are able to provide a suitable indoor growing location, you may find that you need to give your American cow-wheat water a bit more often than you would in an outdoor growing location. Part of the reason for this is that indoor growing locations tend to be a lot drier than outdoor ones due to HVAC units. The other reason for this is that soil in containers can dry out relatively quickly as well compared to soil in the ground.
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More Info on American Cow-wheat Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide
Lighting
Partial sun
The american cow-wheat flourishes in areas of moderate sunlight, rather being exposed to extremely intense light rays. Too much solar exposure may scorch the plant, while too little can stifle growth. Naturally hailing from environments with diffused light, its health and growth are dependent on a balmy balance of sun exposure.
Best Sunlight Practices
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Firecracker bush
Firecracker bush
Firecracker bush (Bouvardia ternifolia) is an evergreen perennial shrub that attracts hummingbirds. It blooms from spring to fall with vibrant red, trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in clusters at the ends of the branches. Thrives in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Deadhead flowers to maintain a compact shape.
Forked bluecurls
Forked bluecurls
Forked bluecurls are annual flowers in the mint family. When crushed, they release a lemony fragrance. Their name comes from the blue flowers and curled stamens. The flowers open early in the morning but the petals fall by the middle of the day.
Sickletop lousewort
Sickletop lousewort
Sickletop lousewort is a perennial wildflower native to the coniferous forests of the western United States. This plant gets its common name from the twisted shape of its petals. Additionally, it was once thought that livestock that ate sickletop lousewort would contract lice.
Pennsylvania pellitory
Pennsylvania pellitory
Pennsylvania pellitory (Parietaria pensylvanica) is a flowering nettle plant that grows widely throughout Canada and the United States. This species most often grows in the wild in basic soils, cliff faces, barrens, and low floodplains.
Wild bergamot
Wild bergamot
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a wildflower related to mint. It is also known as bee balm and indeed attracts a great many bees (hummingbirds like it as well). Wild bergamot is sometimes used to make strong-flavored tea. One variant is cultivated specifically for its lemony-scented essential oil.
Virginia mountain mint
Virginia mountain mint
Virginia mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) is an herbaceous perennial that blooms from summer to fall with clusters of showy white flowers. Grows in full sun with medium moisture and well-drained soil. Aromatic leaves emit a mint-like fragrance when crushed. A perfect addition to the herb garden or as a border plant in the flower garden.
Hairy mountain mint
Hairy mountain mint
Hairy mountain mint (Pycnanthemum verticillatum var. pilosum) is indigenous to North America and grows well in the prairies and other hot, dry conditions. The flowers are very attractive to a wide variety of native pollinators including bees, butterflies, and moths. As a member of the mint family, this plant possesses a strong minty scent which often discourages mammals from interacting with it.
Milk kelloggia
Milk kelloggia
Milk kelloggia is a perennial herb with tiny bright pink or white flowers adorning the tips of its stems. After a blooming period that lasts from late spring to late summer, the flowers turn into hairy green fruits. This plant grows predominantly in the western United States.
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American cow-wheat
American cow-wheat
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American cow-wheat
American cow-wheat
American cow-wheat
American cow-wheat
Melampyrum lineare
Also known as: Linear cow-wheat
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Key Facts About American cow-wheat

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Attributes of American cow-wheat

Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Plant Height
15 cm to 41 cm
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
Growth Season
Summer
Pollinators
Beetles, Wasps, Flies
Benefits to Pollinating Insects
Adult food
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Symbolism

Scientific Classification of American cow-wheat

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Distribution of American cow-wheat

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Habitat of American cow-wheat

Coniferous and deciduous forests, sandy glades, gravelly terraces, heaths, rocky barrens, coastal headlands, dry meadows, peatlands, fens, roadsides
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of American cow-wheat

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
question

Questions About American cow-wheat

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Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
What is the best way to water my American cow-wheat?
more
What should I do if I water my American cow-wheat too much or too little?
more
How often should I water my American cow-wheat?
more
How much water does my American cow-wheat need?
more
How can I tell if i'm watering my American cow-wheat enough?
more
How should I water my American cow-wheat through the seasons?
more
How should I water my American cow-wheat at different growth stages?
more
What's the difference between watering American cow-wheat indoors and outdoors?
more
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More Info on American Cow-wheat Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide
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Requirements
Partial sun
Ideal
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.
Essentials
The american cow-wheat flourishes in areas of moderate sunlight, rather being exposed to extremely intense light rays. Too much solar exposure may scorch the plant, while too little can stifle growth. Naturally hailing from environments with diffused light, its health and growth are dependent on a balmy balance of sun exposure.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
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Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
American cow-wheat thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Although symptoms of light deficiency may not be easily noticeable, when cultivated indoors with inadequate light, they may become apparent.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your American cow-wheat may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
American cow-wheat enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To optimize plant growth, shift them to increasingly sunnier spots each week until they receive 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, enabling gradual adaptation to changing light conditions.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
American cow-wheat thrives in full sun exposure but can adapt to partial shade. Despite being tolerant of different light conditions, it may experience sunburn, which often manifests with subtle and not easily visible symptoms.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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