Overview
Agoseris aurantiaca (Hook.) Greene ssp. purpurea (Gray) G.W. Douglas, also known as the Purple Agoseris, is a plant species native to western North America. It is a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Origin
The Purple Agoseris is a native plant of western North America, spanning from British Columbia to California and eastward to Montana and Wyoming.
Common Names
The Purple Agoseris is known by several common names, including:
- Purple Mountain Dandelion
- Mountain Dandelion
- Prairie Dandelion
- Orange Agoseris
Appearance
The Purple Agoseris has a basal rosette of leaves that are up to 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. The stem of the plant is tall and branching, with one to several flower heads at the top of each branch. The flower heads are 1-2 inches wide and consist of several ray flowers that are purple to pink in color. The center of each flower head contains numerous yellow disc flowers. The plant blooms from June to September and produces achenes that are dispersed by the wind.
Uses
While not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes, the Purple Agoseris has been used by Native American tribes for a variety of purposes. The Cheyenne and Shoshone tribes used the plant to make a tea that was thought to help treat coughs and colds. The Navajo tribe used the plant as a pain reliever, chewing the leaves or making a poultice from them to apply to sore muscles or joints. Today, the Purple Agoseris is mainly used in landscaping and erosion control due to its hardiness and ability to adapt to a variety of soil types and conditions.
Light Requirements
The Agoseris aurantiaca (Hook.) Greene ssp. purpurea (Gray) G.W. Douglas plant typically requires full sun exposure to thrive. It can handle some partial shade, but full sun is preferred. The plant needs about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and bloom properly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers temperate climates and cool nights. It does well in USDA zones 4-8, with average temperatures ranging from 65 - 75°F. During winter, the temperature should be in the range of 32-40°F to facilitate dormancy needed for the plant's survival. Extreme weather conditions, especially excessive heat, can cause the plant to wilt or die.
Soil Requirements
The Agoseris aurantiaca (Hook.) Greene ssp. purpurea (Gray) G.W. Douglas plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It does not tolerate waterlogged soils, so ensure the soil drains well. The plant prefers soil in the pH range of 6.0-7.5. The addition of organic matter such as peat moss or compost can enhance the texture and fertility of the soil.
Furthermore, the plant does well in rocky and gravelly soils where it can grow and expand. This makes it an ideal plant for rock gardens or xeriscapes. Regular watering is required for the plant to thrive, but the soil shouldn't be overly damp.
Cultivation Methods
Agoseris aurantiaca ssp. purpurea is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of dry conditions. It can be propagated from seeds, which can be sown in the spring or fall, or by dividing the plants in the spring.
Watering Needs
While Agoseris aurantiaca ssp. purpurea is tolerant of dry conditions, it does require some watering during periods of drought. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Watering should only be done when the soil is dry and should be relatively infrequent.
Fertilization
Agoseris aurantiaca ssp. purpurea does not require much fertilization. A light application of fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial, but too much fertilizer can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
The plant does not require much pruning to maintain its shape. However, removing spent blooms can encourage the production of new flowers. After the growing season, it can be beneficial to remove any dead or diseased foliage to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Agoseris aurantiaca ssp. purpurea
There are a few methods for propagating Agoseris aurantiaca ssp. purpurea. Some common methods include seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Propagation via seed is one of the most common methods for Agoseris aurantiaca ssp. purpurea. Seeds can be collected in the late summer or early fall and can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place for later sowing. It is important to note that these seeds may have a relatively short shelf life, so it is recommended to use fresh seeds for best results.
When sowing seeds, it is important to choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sun. The seeds should be sown just below the surface of the soil and lightly covered with a layer of sand or fine soil. Moisture should be consistent, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause rotting. Germination can occur anywhere from 1-3 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method for propagating Agoseris aurantiaca ssp. purpurea. This can be done via root cuttings or division.
Root cuttings involve taking a small piece of root and planting it in soil to encourage new growth. The root cutting should be taken from a healthy plant and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears.
Division involves separating an established plant into smaller sections. This is best done in the early spring before growth begins. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the roots into sections, making sure each section has enough root and foliage. Replant in a well-draining soil and keep consistently moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Agoseris aurantiaca ssp. purpurea is generally a healthy plant with few disease problems. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this plant.
1. Powdery Mildew: This disease is characterized by the powdery white coating on the leaves and stems. It is caused by a fungal infection and can weaken the plant if not managed. To control powdery mildew, use a fungicide that includes copper or sulfur and make sure to remove and destroy any infected plant debris.
2. Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by the dark brown or black spots on the leaves. It is caused by a bacteria or fungal infection. To control leaf spot, remove and destroy any infected plant debris and use a fungicide that includes copper or sulfur.
3. Root Rot: This disease is characterized by the yellowing and wilting of the leaves. It is caused by a fungal infection that attacks the roots of the plant. To control root rot, it is important to improve the drainage of the soil and remove any infected plant debris from the area.
Pest Management
Agoseris aurantiaca ssp. purpurea is also relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to a few common pests.
1. Aphids: These small green insects can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and reducing flower production. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant.
2. Spider Mites: These pests are so small that they are difficult to see with the naked eye. They feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing the leaves to yellow and drop. To control spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and increase the humidity around the plant to discourage them.
3. Slugs: These pests can be found on the leaves and flowers of the plant, leaving slime trails behind them. They eat holes in the leaves and can cause significant damage. To control slugs, handpick them off the plant or use a slug bait that contains iron phosphate.
