Overview
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. is a species of flowering plant classified under the family Asteraceae. It goes by several common names such as annual bur-sage, plains bur-sage, or prairie sagewort. It is indigenous to North America and mainly found growing in the western parts of the continent.
Appearance
The Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. plant usually grows between 20-60 cm tall and has fibrous roots. It is an annual plant with a branching stem that can be either simple or sparsely branched. The plant's leaves are alternate and are either somewhat linear or lanceolate-shaped, approximately 1-10 cm long and 0.5-3 cm wide. The leaves are usually divided into numerous fibrils giving it a feathery appearance, and it is this feature that has earned it the name sagewort.
The flowers of Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. are typically greenish-yellow in color. The plant blooms from August to October, after which it produces flowers. The flowerheads are surrounded by long-pointed bracts and have both female and male flowers. The fruit that follows is an achene, which looks like a spine-covered bur and is about 2-3 mm long.
Uses
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. is a significant species in the plant world, especially in the areas where it grows naturally. Historically, Native American people used the plant for different purposes, including medicine. For example, the Plains Cheyenne made use of the plant's leaves and flowers to treat skin conditions such as sores, wounds, and boils. Meanwhile, the Paiute tribe used the plant to relieve fever symptoms and sore bellies.
Today, the plant's uses have diversified. It is used to enhance soil productivity in the areas where it grows. Additionally, it is considered an excellent wildlife habitat due to the plant's structure and the significant food source it provides.
Despite its contribution to the ecosystem, Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. is considered a weed and invasive species in some areas, such as Australia and South Africa. The plant's bur seeds attach easily to animals and humans, spreading the plant's growth and invasive nature. As a result, the control and management of the Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. plant in these areas are highly emphasized.
Light Requirements
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. requires full sun exposure to grow and develop. It can tolerate some amount of shade but may not flower as well if grown in partially shaded areas. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in an area that receives maximum sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. is a desert plant and can tolerate high temperatures up to 40°C. However, it needs a cooler temperature at night time. Therefore, it can survive in areas that have a semi-arid climate with hot days and cool nights.
Soil Requirements
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. is a drought-tolerant species and can grow well in soil that is well-drained. It prefers sandy or loamy soils that are rich in nutrients. However, it can grow in poor soils as well but may not develop as well. It can tolerate alkaline soils but does not grow well in acidic soils. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in soils that are neutral or slightly alkaline.
Cultivation methods for Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook.
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook., commonly known as devil's horsewhip, is an herbaceous plant that can grow up to six feet tall. It is native to North America and thrives in sunny areas with well-drained soil. The plant is highly adaptable to different soil types but prefers sandy soils. It is considered a hardy plant and can tolerate drought conditions but does best with regular watering.
Propagation of Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. is done through seed. The plant should be planted in the spring, and the seeds should be sown about ½ inch deep. Thin the seedlings to six inches apart after germination.
Watering needs for Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook.
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. prefers regular watering and can tolerate drought conditions. However, during the hot summer months, the plant should be watered at least once every two weeks. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant can develop root rot. The water needs of the plant can be reduced during the fall and winter months, but it should still receive regular watering.
Fertilization of Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook.
Devil's horsewhip is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. However, for optimal growth, the plant can be fertilized with an all-purpose fertilizer once every six months. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and decrease flower production.
Pruning of Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook.
Devil's horsewhip is a fast-growing plant that can become leggy over time. To keep the plant looking tidy and healthy, pruning can be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp shears to prevent damage to the plant. Dead or damaged branches should be cut back to the base of the plant, and the remaining branches should be shaped to encourage growth.
Propagation Methods for Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook.
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook., commonly known as bur-ragweed, is a herbaceous plant native to the western United States and Mexico. It belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. This plant is propagated mainly through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. can be directly sown in the soil during the spring or fall. The plant prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil to grow. The seeds should be sown about ½ inch deep in the soil and kept moist. Germination may take 1 to 3 weeks. The plant will flower and set seeds in the second year after sowing.
Seed propagation is an easy and economical way to propagate Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. The seeds can also be collected from the plant when they are mature and dried naturally in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
Propagation by Cuttings
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. can also be propagated using stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the summer when the plant is actively growing. Select healthy, young stems, and cut them from the parent plant using a sharp and clean tool. The cutting should be about 3 to 4 inches long and should have at least two sets of leaves.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and plant the cutting in a container filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting lightly to settle the soil around it. Keep the container in a warm and bright area but out of direct sunlight. The cutting should root in 2 to 4 weeks.
Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground. Water the plant regularly and provide adequate sunlight to promote growth.
Disease Management
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. is susceptible to several diseases, including fungal and viral diseases. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing them to appear white and powdery. Other fungal diseases that may affect the plant include leaf spot and stem rot. It's crucial to manage diseases to prevent the spread and damage of the plant. Some ways to manage plant diseases include:
- Removing and destroying any infected plant parts
- Avoiding overhead watering to prevent fungal growth on leaves
- Applying fungicides when necessary and according to instructions
Pest Management
Several pests can attack Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. and cause significant damage to the plant. These pests include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. Spider mites suck the sap and cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Thrips cause the leaves to turn brown and distorted, affecting the plant's growth. To manage pests:
- Remove and destroy any infected plant parts
- Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to the plant environment
- Use insecticides when necessary and according to instructions
Regular monitoring of the plant helps detect any signs of disease or pest infestation early and prevent extensive damage to the plant. It is also essential to maintain good plant health through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning to prevent plant stress, making it more susceptible to diseases and pests.
