Overview
Antennaria howellii Greene var. athabascensis (Greene) Boivin, commonly known as Howell's pussytoes or Athabasca pussytoes, is a perennial plant native to North America. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is commonly found in the Western United States and Canada. The plant has been used for medicinal and cultural purposes by various indigenous tribes of North America.Appearance
The Antennaria howellii Greene var. athabascensis plant has a small bushy appearance and a low-growing growth habit, typically reaching a height of about six inches. The plant has fine hairy, woolly leaves that are silvery-green in color and oval in shape. The plant produces small white flowers in spring and summer that bloom in clusters.Uses
Antennaria howellii Greene var. athabascensis has a long history of use in traditional Native American medicine. The plant has been used to treat a range of ailments, including stomach aches, respiratory problems, and headaches. The roots of the plant were also used by some indigenous tribes to make a tea-like beverage that was believed to have healing properties. Today, the plant is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is popular for its silver-green foliage and small white flowers, which make an attractive addition to rock gardens and mixed borders.Cultivation
Antennaria howellii Greene var. athabascensis is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain. The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soils and full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated by division or by seed. In gardens, this plant can be an attractive companion to other small, low-growing perennials such as Sedum, Thyme, or Lavender. It is also an excellent choice for planting in rock gardens or other naturalistic settings.Light Requirements
Antennaria howellii Greene var. athabascensis (Greene) Boivin requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. As a native plant to North America, it has adapted to different levels of light. However, fuller sun generally enhances its growth and flowering capabilities.
Temperature Requirements
The plant usually thrives in cool to moderate-temperature zones with temperatures between 60 to 70 degree Fahrenheit. As the species is mostly found in the mountainous and sub-alpine areas of the Rockies, it has adapted to withstand freezing temperatures as low as -22 degree Fahrenheit. Nonetheless, frost-free seasons are necessary for optimum growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils where it can thrive without waterlogging. As it is native to rocky slopes and open grasslands, it is adapted to soils with sandy loam and medium-textured texture. Moreover, the plant has low nutrient requirements, and thus the soil doesn't necessarily have to be very rich in nutrients. The ideal soils are usually neutral to slightly acidic with PH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.
Cultivation Methods
Antennaria howellii Greene var. athabascensis (Greene) Boivin, also known as Howell's Pussytoes, is a low-growing perennial herb that is commonly found in North America. This plant is fairly easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. To start cultivating Antennaria howellii, it is recommended to plant the seeds in well-draining soil during spring. The ideal planting location should have access to partial shade and full sunlight. It will also benefit from a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH.Watering Needs
Antennaria howellii requires moderate watering. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The best practice is to water the plant once a week or more frequently if planted in a hot and dry location. When watering, avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent the growth of fungi or bacterial infections.Fertilization
Antennaria howellii does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from adding organic matter to the soil. It can be achieved by applying a slow-release fertilizer in early spring or using compost to enrich the soil before planting.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Antennaria howellii, but it can benefit from removing the dead or damaged leaves during the growing season. It promotes new growth, and it can also reduce the possibility of infection or pests. It is essential to avoid pruning when the plant is dormant or during the winter season.Propagation of Antennaria howellii Greene var. athabascensis
Antennaria howellii Greene var. athabascensis (Greene) Boivin, commonly known as the Howell's pussytoes, is a herbaceous plant that is native to North America. This plant is an excellent addition to your garden, specifically if you reside in areas where extreme climatic conditions occur. Its soft and fuzzy leaves offer an appealing texture and an enchanting texture to any landscape.
Propagation Methods
Antennaria howellii can be propagated by either division, cuttings, or seed germination.
Division
Division is the easiest and quickest process to propagate the Antennaria howellii plant. You can easily divide the plant during the spring season when the new shoots emerge. Dig the plant with the roots out of the ground and separate it into smaller sections. Ensure that each section has enough roots and shoots to grow.
Cuttings
The cuttings are optimal for propagating the Antennaria howellii plant. Take cuttings of about 3 to 4 inches from the plant's stem and distance it about 2 to 3 inches apart. Strip off all leaves except two from the cutting and propagate the cuttings in well-drained soil. Keep the soil always moist and place a plastic wrap over the soil to retain moisture. Transplant the cuttings into the garden when they have rooted.
Seed Germination
Alternatively, you can propagate the Antennaria howellii plant by germinating seeds. The seeds can be collected from the plant during the bloom time in the summer season. After collecting the seedheads, crush them to separate the seeds and scatter them in a well-prepared bed of soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. You can transplant the seedlings when they reach a suitable size. Although seed propagation can be optimal, it takes longer than the other propagation methods.
In conclusion, Antennaria howellii Greene var. athabascensis can be propagated through various methods. Thus, you can choose among the division, cuttings, or seed germination according to the available resources and your preferences.
Common Diseases
Antennaria howellii can be affected by a number of fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust diseases.
Leaf spot: This disease is characterized by small brown/black spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and improving air circulation through pruning and thinning.
Powdery mildew: This disease appears as white powdery spots on leaves and stems. It can be controlled by using fungicides and ensuring proper plant spacing and air circulation.
Rust diseases: Rust diseases appear as yellow, orange, or brown spots on the leaves and can be controlled with fungicides and by removing infected leaves.
Common Pests
Antennaria howellii can also be attacked by a variety of insect pests such as aphids, mealybugs, mites, and caterpillars.
Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth. They can be managed using insecticidal soaps and neem oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small white insects that leave a powdery residue on the plant. They can be controlled by wiping the plant with a solution of water and dish soap or with insecticidal soap.
Mites: Mites are very small and often go undetected until damage has been done. They can be controlled with insecticidal soaps and by pruning infested areas.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat entire leaves and cause significant damage to the plant. They can be controlled by hand-picking or by using bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial pesticide.
