Origin and Common Names
Antennaria neglecta Greene ssp. howellii (Greene) Hultén is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant is native to North America, specifically in the western region, such as Oregon and Washington. It is commonly known as Howell's pussytoes or Howell's antennaria. The species was named after Thomas Jefferson Howell, an American Botanist who specialized in the flora of the Pacific Northwest.
General Appearance
The Howell's Pussytoes is a small perennial herb, which grows up to 10cm in height, with a spread of approximately 50cm. The plant is typically found on rocky slopes, in open meadows, or on dry slopes. The leaves of the plant are grayish green, covered in woolly hairs, oval-shaped or elliptic, and are 1-3cm long. The flower heads are clustered at the top of the stem, with the male and female flowers growing on separate plants. The male flowers are typically smaller and have a reddish appearance, while the female flowers are larger and have a more grayish-white color. The plant blooms from June to August.
Uses
Howell's pussytoes have a rich history of medicinal use for treating various ailments. The plant's leaves can be brewed as a tea to soothe stomach upset, menstrual cramps, and respiratory issues. In addition, it was also traditionally used as a diuretic and to stimulate lactation. Currently, the plant is primarily used for ornamental purposes and is planted in rock gardens, border edges or as ground cover.
Light Requirements
The Antennaria neglecta Greene ssp. howellii (Greene) Hultén typically thrives in bright sunlight. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. For indoor plants, place them near a bright south-facing window or under grow lights. Lack of adequate light may result in leggy, weak stems and poorly developed foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers cooler temperatures and can survive in zones with a minimum temperature of -40°F (-40°C) to a maximum of 70°F (21°C). It can tolerate brief periods of drought but cannot withstand extreme heat or fluctuations in temperature. The ideal temperature range for the growth of Antennaria neglecta Greene ssp. howellii is 60-65°F (15-18°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is enriched with organic matter and has a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Soil with poor drainage can increase the risk of root rot. It thrives in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. A mixture of sand, loam and compost is suitable for Antennaria neglecta Greene ssp. howellii. The plant also prefers soil that is rich in nutrients but not overly fertile.
Cultivation
Antennaria neglecta Greene ssp. howellii (Greene) Hultén is a low-maintenance plant species that is relatively easy to cultivate. It can be grown in a variety of settings, including rock gardens, meadows, and container gardens. When planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining, as the plant does not tolerate wet feet.
The plant grows well in full sun to partial shade, but it is crucial to keep in mind that it prefers cool-to-moderate temperatures. If you live in a hotter region, it is recommended to grow it in a shaded area, or in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Watering Needs
While Antennaria neglecta ssp. howellii does not need much water, it is essential to maintain consistent moisture levels. When planting, water the plant thoroughly and ensure that the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, water the plant weekly during dry periods, especially if it receives full sun.
It is important to note that the plant is drought-tolerant, but it will prefer to grow in moisture-rich soil.
Fertilization
The plant does not require heavy fertilization. If you're planting it in a naturally nutrient-rich soil, it will grow well without adding fertilizer. However, if you're planting it in nutrient-poor soil, you can add a light amount of balanced fertilizer in the early spring. It is worth noting that over-fertilizing the plant can have adverse effects.
Pruning
Antennaria neglecta ssp. howellii does not require heavy pruning, but it is a good practice to deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Heavy pruning should be avoided, as it can damage the plant.
Moreover, it is worth noting that the plant does not spread aggressively, so it does not require frequent division. Division should be performed only every few years, preferably in the early spring or fall.
Propagation of Antennaria neglecta Greene ssp. howellii
Antennaria neglecta Greene ssp. howellii, commonly known as Howell's pussytoes, is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the western regions of North America, including California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. If you are interested in growing this plant at home, there are a few propagation methods you can use to increase your stock.
Propagation by Division
One propagation method for Antennaria neglecta ssp. howellii is by plant division. This method involves digging up the mature plant and dividing its roots and stems into several smaller parts. Each part should have a sufficient number of stems and roots to ensure it can grow independently. Plant each division into a suitable pot or garden bed, ensuring it receives adequate water and light.
Propagation by Seed
You can also propagate Antennaria neglecta ssp. howellii by seed. Collect seeds from the mature plant during the fall or early winter and store them in a cool, dry place. In the spring, sow the seeds in a well-prepared planting bed with well-draining soil. Bury the seeds roughly two times their size below the soil surface. After germination, thin out the seedlings to ensure adequate space is available for each plant to grow.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Another propagation method for Antennaria neglecta ssp. howellii is by stem cuttings. This method involves selecting a healthy plant to obtain cuttings from, preferably in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a stem that is a few inches long, preferably with several sets of leaves. Remove the lower set of leaves and plant the cutting about an inch deep into a suitable pot with moistened soil. Keep the soil moist and maintain a suitable level of humidity for the cutting to root successfully.
Overall, Antennaria neglecta ssp. howellii can be propagated through division, seed, or stem cuttings. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so select the one that best suits your needs and available resources. With proper care and attention, you can successfully propagate and grow this lovely plant in your garden or home.
Common Diseases
Antennaria neglecta Greene ssp. howellii (Greene) Hultén is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, some diseases may still affect it, especially if grown in less than ideal conditions. The most common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Crown rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots and causes the crown to rot. To manage this disease, it is essential to avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and causes brown or black spots. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems, causing a powdery white coating. To manage this disease, it is essential to ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Common Pests
Antennaria neglecta Greene ssp. howellii (Greene) Hultén is also relatively pest-resistant. However, some pests may still affect this plant, especially when grown in less than ideal conditions. The most common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, it is essential to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, it is essential to ensure good air circulation, avoid overwatering, and apply miticides if necessary.
- Thrips: These are slender insects that can cause distorted growth and silvering of leaves. To manage thrips, it is essential to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, to ensure the health and vitality of Antennaria neglecta Greene ssp. howellii (Greene) Hultén, it is essential to provide it with the ideal growing conditions and to monitor it regularly for signs of disease or pest infestation.
