Mazus reptans
| Mazus reptans | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Mazaceae |
| Genus: | Mazus |
| Species: | M. reptans
|
| Binomial name | |
| Mazus reptans | |
Mazus reptans, common name creeping mazus, is a heterotypic synonym of Mazus miquelii,[1][2] a low-growing perennial plant[3] native to the East Asia, and widely introduced in the United States.[2]
Description[edit]
Mazus reptans is a herbaceous plant with alternate, simple leaves, on creeping and rooting stems.[3] It grows less than 15 centimetres (6 in), with a spread of 15–30 centimetres (6–12 in).[3]
The purple-blue to white flowers are borne in spring and summer.[3] The flower crown is 2-lipped and violet-blue to pink or white, inside with white and yellow spots. The period of bloom lasts from Spring through Summer.[3]
The capsule fruits contain small seeds.
Cultivation[edit]
Mazus reptans is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use as a groundcover in gardens and container gardening.[3] Creeping mazus can quickly form a dense ground-hugging carpet of bright green foliage, with showy seasonal flowers.[3] It's fingernail sized lance-shaped toothed leaves typically remain green throughout the growing season, and it is evergreen in hardiness zones 5–8.[3] It spreads quickly due to the stems rooting.
The plant is best grown in moist but well-drained soil, receiving irrigation from "average" up to 30 centimetres (12 in) per year. It prefers protected full sun to half-shade locations.[3]
Creeping mazus is used in smaller open areas, between stepping stones in paths and patios, a trailing plant in pots, and in flower beds.[3]
It can also be used as a beneficial ground cover for grape vines (Vitis spp.),[4] or the spring foliage of bulbs.
References[edit]
- ^ Pringle, James S. (December 2018). "The Identification, Nomenclature, and Naturalized Distribution of Mazus miquelii (Mazaceae) in North America". Castanea. 83 (2): 221. doi:10.2179/17-154. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Mazus reptans N.E.Br". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Fine Gardening magazine: Plant Guide for Mazus reptans . accessed 7.4.2012.
- ^ Pollock, Candace (February 6, 2003). "Some Ground Covers May Benefit Grape Production". OSU Communications. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
- Gordon Cheers (Ed.): "Botanica"; Random House Australia; 2003. German issue: Tandem publishing company Ltd in 2003, ISBN 3-8331-1600-5.