Overview of Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. is a species of perennial plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to North America, specifically found in the western regions of the United States, including California, Nevada, and Oregon. The plant typically grows in moist habitats, like meadows, along creeks and rivers, and in mountainous regions up to 8,000 feet in elevation.
Common Names
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. has several common names, including Dawson's Angelica, Dawson's Angel's Trumpet, and Dawson's Archangel.
General Appearance
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. is a tall, herbaceous plant that can reach up to 7 feet in height. It has large, fern-like leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long and a stem that is purplish green and grooved. The plant produces clusters of small, white or pink flowers in the summer. The fruits are small, oval-shaped, and contain one seed.
Uses of Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. has both medicinal and culinary uses. In traditional medicine, it is said to have antispasmodic, carminative, and diaphoretic properties. The plant has also been used to relieve pain, spasms, and fever. In addition, the root of the plant is sometimes used in cooking to flavor soups and stews.
The plant has cultural significance as well, as it has been used by Native American tribes like the Paiute and Shoshone for a variety of purposes, including as a remedy for coughs and colds, an antiseptic, and as a charm to ward off evil spirits.
Typical Growth Conditions of Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. is a type of perennial herb that grows in mountain meadows, subalpine clearings, conifer forests, and riparian zones. This plant is typically found in areas with moist soils and partial shade. Here are some of the typical growth conditions that Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. requires:
Light Requirements
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. thrives in areas with partial shade to full sun. This plant can tolerate some shade, but it prefers to receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. In areas with too much shade, Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. may become leggy and will have fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in areas with both cool and warm temperatures. Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. can tolerate temperatures as low as -20° C (-4° F) and as high as 30° C (86° F). However, it grows best in areas with temperatures ranging from 10° C (50° F) to 20° C (68° F).
Soil Requirements
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. thrives in moist and well-drained soils. It can grow in soil types such as loam, sand, and clay. This plant prefers soils with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. Moreover, Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. needs soils with high fertility levels. Gardeners should add organic matter to the soil and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer to enhance plant growth.
Overall, Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. requires partial shade to full sun, moist and well-drained soils, and moderate temperatures. By providing such growth conditions, gardeners can ensure that the plant grows quickly and produces abundant flowers and foliage.
Cultivation of Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. It prefers well-drained soil with adequate moisture and partial shade to full sun. This plant is propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, or division.
To grow Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. from seeds, sow them in a seed tray with a mixture of potting soil and perlite. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil and keep the tray in a warm, humid place. The seedlings will germinate in 3 to 4 weeks and can be transplanted to individual pots.
For stem cuttings, take a 4-inch cutting from a healthy plant and dip the end in rooting hormone before planting it in a potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and in a warm, shaded place until roots develop.
Division is done in spring or fall when the plant is dormant. Dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each section has at least one healthy stem. Replant the sections in a well-prepared bed.
Watering Needs of Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
This plant requires consistent moisture, but not waterlogged soil. Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and slightly less frequently during the winter months. It is best to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
The plant should be checked regularly for watering needs. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it needs watering. If the leaves are wilting, this may be a sign of underwatering. Overwatering may lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization of Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. benefits from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and blooms. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring before the growing season begins, and again in mid-summer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct dosage according to the size and age of the plant.
Over-fertilization can be harmful to the plant, causing excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower production. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid fertilizing the plant after mid-summer to allow the plant to prepare for dormancy.
Pruning of Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. does not require regular pruning, but deadheading spent flower stalks will encourage new blooms. The plant may become top-heavy as it grows, so staking or supporting the stems may be necessary to prevent them from bending or breaking.
During the winter months, the plant may become dormant, with the leaves dying back. Cut back the dead foliage to the ground, leaving only a few inches of stem. This helps to rejuvenate the plant and promote new growth in the spring.
Propagation of Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
Propagation of Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. can be done through different methods. Here are some of the common propagation methods for this plant:
Seed Propagation
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. can be propagated from seed. The seeds should be collected from mature fruit when they are ripe, which is usually in the late summer or early fall. Before planting, the seeds should be properly cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until the spring. In the spring, the seeds should be sown into a well-draining soil mix either indoors or directly into the garden. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown 2-3 sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Division
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in the early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant. To propagate through division, dig up the root ball and gently separate the plant into smaller sections using a sharp, sterile knife or garden shears. Each section should have healthy roots and at least 1-2 shoots. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly.
Cuttings
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. can be propagated through stem cuttings as well. Cuttings should be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a healthy stem and cut a 3-4 inch section using a sharp, sterile knife or garden shears. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root in 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden once it has developed a healthy root system.
Disease Management for Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. can be prone to certain diseases that can impact its growth and health. The following are some of the common diseases that can affect Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.:
- Leaf spot
- Powdery mildew
- Crown rot
- Bacterial blight
To manage these diseases, it is important to follow good cultural practices. This includes keeping the plant well-watered and fertilized, removing any infected plant material, and maintaining good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be used to treat powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.
Pest Management for Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
In addition to diseases, Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. can also be vulnerable to pests. Some of the common pests that may affect the plant include:
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Slugs and snails
- Cabbage loopers
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of damage or infestation. Natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can be introduced to help control aphids and other insect pests. Additionally, insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can be used to help control pests like spider mites and cabbage loopers. Beer traps can be used to attract and remove slugs and snails.
By following good cultural practices and taking action to manage diseases and pests, Angelica dawsonii S. Wats. can remain healthy and productive.
