Origin and Common Names
Aster canescens Pursh var. viscosus (Nutt.) Gray, commonly known as sticky white aster, is a plant species native to North America. It is mainly found in the eastern United States, in states such as Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. The plant gets its common name from the sticky glandular hairs that cover its stems, leaves, and floral bracts.Appearance
Sticky white aster is a herbaceous perennial with a generally upright, branching stem that reaches a height of about 2-3 feet. The plant has alternate, broadly lanceolate leaves with pointed tips. The leaves are grayish-green in color, and covered with fine soft hairs. The flowers of the sticky white aster are white to pale pink in color, with yellow centers. They bloom in late summer and early fall, and are around 1-2 inches in diameter.Uses
Sticky white aster has limited use in medicine and horticulture. In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat skin disorders, coughs, and digestive issues. The plant's attractive flowers and foliage also make it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. It can be used in borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows, and also provides habitat and food for pollinating insects and birds. In summary, Aster canescens Pursh var. viscosus (Nutt.) Gray, also known as sticky white aster, is a native North American plant. It has an upright, branching stem covered in glandular hairs, grayish-green leaves, and white to pale pink flowers with yellow centers. The plant has limited medicinal and horticultural uses, but is popular in gardens and landscaping for its attractive flowers and foliage.Light Requirements
Aster canescens Pursh var. viscosus (Nutt.) Gray is a native perennial plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in areas where there is plenty of natural light, and it is essential for its growth and development. Therefore, the plant should be grown in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Aster canescens Pursh var. viscosus (Nutt.) Gray grows in several climatic conditions, but the most suitable temperature for its growth is between 65°F and 75°F. The plant can tolerate temperatures lower than 60°F, but it may not do well in excessively high temperatures above 80°F.
Soil Requirements
Aster canescens Pursh var. viscosus (Nutt.) Gray grows well in well-draining, slightly acidic soils with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should hold moisture well, but it should not be waterlogged. The plant can tolerate different types of soil, including sandy, clay, loamy, or gravelly soils. However, it prefers soils that are high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation Methods
Aster canescens Pursh var. viscosus (Nutt.) Gray, commonly known as the sticky aster, is a hardy plant that is native to the central and western regions of North America. When cultivating sticky aster, it is important to note that the plant prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-draining soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, from sandy to clayey, and is drought-tolerant once established.
To cultivate sticky aster, start by selecting a planting area that receives ample sunlight and has well-draining soil. Before planting, work some organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, into the soil to improve its texture and fertility. Plant the aster in early spring or fall, spacing the plants at least a foot apart.
Watering Needs
Sticky aster is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering. However, it is important to keep the soil moist during the plant's early growth stages. Once established, the plant can survive on natural rainfall alone, although watering during dry spells can enhance growth and promote blooming.
To water sticky aster, give the plant a deep watering once a week during its early growth stages. Once established, it is only necessary to water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
Fertilization
Sticky aster is a low-maintenance plant that does not require regular feeding. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can stimulate growth and promote blooming.
To fertilize sticky aster, work a small amount of balanced fertilizer into the soil around the base of the plant in early spring, following the manufacturer's recommended application rate. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can cause the plant to produce weak, leggy growth.
Pruning
Sticky aster is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. However, pruning can help to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth.
To prune sticky aster, wait until after the plant has finished blooming, then use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems and foliage. Additionally, you can pinch back the tips of the stems in early summer to promote bushier growth and enhance blooming.
Propagation of Aster canescens Pursh var. viscosus (Nutt.) Gray
Aster canescens Pursh var. viscosus (Nutt.) Gray, commonly known as sticky white aster or sticky false white aster, is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Propagation of sticky white aster can be done by using its seeds, stem or root cuttings, or by division.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest way to propagate sticky white aster is by using its seeds. The best time to sow the seeds is in the fall. Collect the seeds from the dried flowers by cutting the flower heads and then storing them in a dry place. To sow the seeds, you can use flats or pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. Scatter the seeds over the soil surface and then cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should germinate in about 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Stem or Root Cuttings
Propagation of sticky white aster can also be done using stem or root cuttings. To do this, select healthy stems or roots of the plant that are free from any disease or damage. Cut the stems into pieces about 3-4 inches long and dip the cut ends into rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and in a few weeks, the cuttings should start developing roots. Once the roots have formed, you can transplant them into the ground.
Propagation by Division
Sticky white aster can also be propagated by dividing the rootball. This should be done in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and separate the clumps by pulling them apart. Replant the clumps in well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Disease Management
The Aster canescens Pursh var. viscosus (Nutt.) Gray is a hardy plant that is not typically affected by major diseases. However, it can suffer from foliar diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
To manage powdery mildew, it is advisable to maintain good airflow and reduce humidity levels. Infected leaves should be removed and discarded, and a fungicide can be applied to prevent further spread of the disease.
Rust can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide regularly during the growing season.
Leaf spot can be managed by avoiding overhead watering and removing diseased leaves. Regular applications of fungicides can also help manage the disease.
Pest Management
The Aster canescens Pursh var. viscosus (Nutt.) Gray is also relatively resistant to pests. However, there are a few pests that can cause problems for the plant. These include spider mites, aphids, and thrips.
Spider mites can be managed by washing the leaves regularly with water or applying insecticidal soap. Introducing predatory mites to the plant can also help control spider mite populations.
Aphids can be managed by washing the plant with water or applying insecticidal soap. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings can also help control aphid populations.
Thrips can be managed by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing predatory mites or parasitic wasps can also help control thrips populations.
