Description
Agoseris glauca var. dasycephala is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. Commonly known as Mountain Dandelion, it is a perennial plant that grows in a rosette form and can reach up to 12 inches in height. The leaves are lobed and have a bluish-green color with white-haired undersides.
The flowers of the Mountain Dandelion appear in late spring or early summer and have a bright yellow color with a typical shape of a dandelion. The flowers sit atop a smooth stem that arises from the center of the rosette. As the plant ages, the stem becomes more elongated, and the flowers cluster at the top.
Origin
The Mountain Dandelion is native to western North America and can be found in regions of California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. It prefers to grow in meadows, grasslands, and forests at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 feet.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Mountain Dandelion, but it is also referred to as False Dandelion, Mountain Agoseris, Grey Agoseris, or Pale Agoseris.
Uses
The Mountain Dandelion has been utilized by indigenous people for centuries as a medicinal herb. The plant is rich in antioxidants and vitamins and is believed to alleviate various ailments such as liver problems, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. In modern times, the plant is also used in salads as an edible herb or as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Light Requirements
The Agoseris glauca var. dasycephala requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It is typically found growing in open fields, meadows, and along the edges of forests. When grown in gardens, it prefers a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers cool to warm summers. It grows best in USDA zones 5 to 10, with an average minimum temperature range of -20 °F to 30 °F (-28.9 °C to -1.1 °C). It is also highly tolerant of cold temperatures and can survive sub-freezing temperatures up to -30 °F (-34.4 °C).
Soil Requirements
The Agoseris glauca var. dasycephala prefers well-draining soils with a pH range between 6.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil textures, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. This plant has a shallow root system, so it benefits from soils that contain organic matter and retain moisture. It can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions but performs best when the soil is kept moist.
Cultivation Methods
The Agoseris glauca var. dasycephala (commonly known as "Mountain Dandelion") is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow in the garden. It prefers well-drained soil and a position in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. The plant is commonly propagated through seed, and its roots can be divided in the fall. It is best to plant in early spring or late summer to allow for adequate root development before winter.
Watering Needs
The Mountain Dandelion does not require much watering and is drought-resistant. When watering, it is important to avoid wetting the foliage, which can cause the fungal disease, powdery mildew. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilization for the Mountain Dandelion is not necessary, but a light application of compost or a slow-release fertilizer can be beneficial. Over-fertilizing can encourage lush foliage growth, which can reduce flowering.
Pruning
Pruning of the Mountain Dandelion is not required. Deadheading the plant after flowering has finished can stimulate a second flush of blooms in the same season and prevent the plant from self-seeding too freely. If the plant becomes too bushy and crowded, it can be divided in the fall to maintain healthy growth.
Propagation of Agoseris glauca (Pursh) Raf. var. dasycephala (Torr. & Gray) Jepson
Agoseris glauca (Pursh) Raf. var. dasycephala (Torr. & Gray) Jepson, commonly known as mountain dandelion, can be propagated through seeds and division methods.
Seed Propagation
The best time to collect seeds for propagation is during September to October when the plant flowers have finished blooming. Agoseris glauca (Pursh) Raf. var. dasycephala (Torr. & Gray) Jepson produces small achenes that have a feathery pappus to aid in seed dispersal. These seeds can be collected by gently shaking the dried-up flower heads or by cutting the flower stalks and storing them in a dry place until the seeds have matured.
To propagate Agoseris glauca (Pursh) Raf. var. dasycephala (Torr. & Gray) Jepson using seeds, they should be sown in late fall or early spring. The seeds should be planted on the soil surface and lightly covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The seedlings should appear within a few weeks, and once they reach a height of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division
Agoseris glauca (Pursh) Raf. var. dasycephala (Torr. & Gray) Jepson can also be propagated through division. This method involves digging up the plant and separating the roots into smaller sections, each with a healthy root system. Spring or fall is the best time to divide Agoseris glauca (Pursh) Raf. var. dasycephala (Torr. & Gray) Jepson.
The divided sections should be replanted immediately in nutrient-rich soil with good drainage. It is best to be cautious with the watering until the plant is established in its new location.
Disease Management
Agoseris glauca var. dasycephala, like many plants, is susceptible to various diseases such as:
- Fungal Leaf Spots: These are common diseases caused by several species of fungi. Leaf spots cause discoloration and eventual death of affected leaves. To manage this, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides registered for use on the plant as directed.
- Root Rots: These are caused by several soil-borne fungi that attack roots of plants and can cause wilting and eventual death if left untreated. To manage this, ensure good drainage, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides registered for use on plants early in the infection stages.
- Bacterial Blights: These are caused by bacteria and lead to watery lesions on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this, use bactericides registered for use on the plant as directed.
Pest Management
Agoseris glauca var. dasycephala is also prone to pest attacks such as:
- Spider Mites: These pests suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing, stunting, and eventually leaf loss. To manage this, use miticides registered for use on the plant, increase humidity levels, and avoid excess fertilization.
- Aphids: These pests also suck sap from leaves, shoots, and flowers causing reduced plant vigor and deformation. To manage this, physically remove the aphids, or use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil as directed.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars cut seedlings at or below the soil line, causing wilting and death. To manage this, remove debris from the soil surface, use collars around stems, and use insecticides registered for use on the plant as directed.
