Gaura biennis

Gaura biennis, commonly known as biennial gaura or biennial beeblossom, is a native (North American) biennial plant that can reach anywhere from 1.2–1.8 m (4–6 feet) in height at maturity. Its upper half is made up of flowering stems, which are covered with soft, white hairs. G. biennis is most well known for its light pink colored flowers, which turn a vibrant red/pink color in the late summer to early fall seasons (typically August to September). These colors make this plant attractive to butterflies and bees, and are in full bloom just before many fall plant species begin to bloom.[1][2]

Gaura biennis
A field image of Gaura biennis at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Onagraceae
Genus: Gaura
Species:
G. biennis
Binomial name
Gaura biennis
L.

Research has been done in order to test the hybridization between different species of the genus Gaura and to describe why many members of this genus are so similar morphologically. According to Carr et al., G. biennis is readily crossbred with Gaura longiflora, showing it is a direct derivative from G. longiflora, but the specialized feature of permanent translocation heterozygosity set G. biennis apart as a unique genetic system amongst the genus.[3]

Distribution

G. biennis naturally occurs throughout eastern and central North America, and extends as far north as Quebec, Canada. Some of the states in the U.S. it can be found in include: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Texas, and Virginia.[2][4]

Habitat and ecology

G. biennis is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle over the course of two growing seasons, in which it will usually reach full maturity towards the end of the second growing season. It lives mostly in prairies throughout North America, and in dry, rocky places and deserts. It prefers sunny, dry areas, but has the capability of adapting to a wide range of habitats because of its ability to grow deep roots. In order to survive wet winters, it needs a dry spot in light soil.[1][2]

Morphology
Gaura biennis

Individuals of this species are tall and weedy, with white to light pink flowers during blooming season, and leaves that turn a red color when mature. The flimsy makeup of the plant allows it to sway in the wind, which makes seed dispersal easier. A few hair-covered stems exit from the top of the plant where the flowers grow, which is the easiest way to tell that the species is the G. biennis. Flowers usually have 4 petals, 8 stamens, and 1 pistil. It starts as a small plant, but grows anywhere from 0.9–1.8 m (3–6 feet) during its second year.[1][2]

Flowers and fruit

The flowers of G. biennis are its most notable feature, with attractive white to light pink color. They have 4 petals, 8 stamens, and 1 pistil, which are mostly pollinated by bees and other insects. The fruits are capsules, ribbed or ridged, and are occasionally woody. It produces small seeds that are easily dispersed by wind and other methods.[2]

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References
  1. Hilty, J. (2014). "Biennial Gaura". www.illinoiswildflowers.info.
  2. Roger, Phillips (2002). The Botanical Garden: Volume II: Perennials and Annuals. Rix, Martyn. Willowdale, Ont.: Firefly Books. p. 156. ISBN 1552975924. OCLC 48803979.
  3. Carr, Bruce L.; Gregory, David P.; Raven, Peter H.; Tai, William (1986). "Experimental Hybridization and Chromosomal Diversity within Gaura sect. Gaura (Onagraceae)". Systematic Botany. 11 (1): 98–111. doi:10.2307/2418949. JSTOR 2418949.
  4. United States Department of Agriculture (2014), Plant Profile: Gaura biennis L.
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