Origin
Aster commutatus (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. polycephalus Blake, non Aster polycephalus Rydb., commonly known as the bushy aster, belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to North America and can be found in western parts of the United States and Canada. It grows in various habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and prairies.
Common Names
Bushy aster is the common name for Aster commutatus var. polycephalus. Other names for the plant include white-leaf aster and many-headed aster.
Uses
Bushy aster has several uses, including medicinal and ornamental purposes. Native American tribes have historically used the plant to treat respiratory illnesses, coughs, and colds. The roots and leaves were also used to create poultices to relieve pain and inflammation. Today, the plant is commonly used in ornamental gardens, providing white blooms and vibrant foliage in the autumn season.
General Appearance
The bushy aster typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and can spread up to 3 feet wide. The plant has several stems originating from a single base, creating a bushy appearance. The leaves are green, lance-shaped, and toothed, with a white underside. The flowers are small, white, and arranged in clusters, with long, narrow, overlapping bracts. The plant blooms in late summer to early fall, and the flowers are followed by small, brown seeds. Overall, the bushy aster is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of conditions and can add a showy element to any garden or landscape.
Light Requirements
Aster commutatus var. polycephalus prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least four hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. However, excessive exposure to direct sunlight may cause sunscald on the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the Western United States and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C), making it a hardy plant that can grow in challenging weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Aster commutatus var. polycephalus grows best in well-drained, loamy soil. It can also thrive in sandy or gravelly soil. The plant prefers soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It is essential to avoid soil with poor drainage as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation
Aster commutatus (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. polycephalus Blake is native to North America and is best grown in USDA hardiness zones of 4-9. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight exposure to grow well. The plant can be propagated through seed germination, cuttings, or division of mature plants. Seeds must be sown in well-prepared soil in the spring or fall after the last frost. The plant should be spaced at least one foot apart to allow for growth and proper aeration.
Watering needs
Aster commutatus (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. polycephalus Blake requires moderate watering during its growing season. The plant prefers moist but well-drained soil. Overwatering or watering with poor drainage can lead to the plant contracting root rot. It's advisable to avoid overhead watering as it can cause foliar disease and promote fungal growth. The plant is drought tolerant and can survive under moderate watering restriction.
Fertilization
Aster commutatus (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. polycephalus Blake requires a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season. It's advisable to apply a slow-release fertilizer during the early spring, followed by side dressing the plant with compost in the mid-summer. Over-fertilization can lead to the plant producing excess foliage with mediocre blooms.
Pruning
Aster commutatus (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. polycephalus Blake requires minimal pruning. Deadheading of faded flowers helps in promoting re-blooming by stimulating the production of new buds. Pruning of diseased or damaged foliage is essential in preventing the spread of diseases. The plant can be cut low in the fall when the blooming season is over. It's important to leave some foliage to protect the plant during the winter season.
Propagation of Aster commutatus var. polycephalus
Aster commutatus var. polycephalus, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Aster, is a herbaceous perennial native to North America. This plant produces clusters of daisy-like flowers that bloom in shades ranging from white to purple.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method for propagating Aster commutatus var. polycephalus is through seeds. The seeds are typically collected from dried flower heads when they begin to open and turn brown. Once collected, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors.
For indoor propagation, the seeds should be started in early spring. Sow the seeds into small pots filled with well-draining soil and place them in a warm and sunny location. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Division
Division is another method for propagating Aster commutatus var. polycephalus. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections and planting them in new locations.
The best time to divide the plant is in the early spring before new growth appears, or in the fall after the plant has gone dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into sections using a sharp knife or garden spade. Be sure each section has several healthy shoots and roots attached.
Replant each divided section immediately into your desired location, ensuring that the soil is well-draining and moist.
Disease and Pest Management for Aster commutatus var. polycephalus
Aster commutatus var. polycephalus is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant species is native to North America and grows in grasslands, prairies, and other open areas. Although Astor commutatus var. polycephalus is relatively hardy, it may still be susceptible to some diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that may affect Aster commutatus var. polycephalus include Aster Yellows, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Aster Yellows: This disease is caused by a phytoplasma that is transmitted by leafhoppers. The disease causes stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distorted flowers. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and destroy infected plants, control leafhoppers, and avoid planting susceptible plants in infected sites.
Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The disease may cause the leaves to become distorted and lead to stunted growth. To prevent powdery mildew, it is recommended to avoid overhead watering, keep the foliage dry, and make sure the plant has good air circulation. If powdery mildew is present, it can be treated using fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil.
Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that appears as small, dark-brown spots on the leaves. The spots may enlarge and cause the leaves to yellow and wither. To prevent leaf spot, it is advisable to plant Aster commutatus var. polycephalus in well-drained soil, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant debris. If leaf spot is present, it can be treated using fungicides such as copper-based sprays.
Common Pests
The most common pests that may affect Aster commutatus var. polycephalus include aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to become speckled and yellow. To prevent spider mites, it is advisable to keep the plant well-watered, regularly remove plant debris, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the infestation is severe, you may need to use a miticide.
Thrips: These are small, slender insects that puncture the plant's cells, causing the leaves to turn silvery or brown and curl at the edges. To prevent thrips, it is recommended to keep the plant well-watered, remove weeds, and prune damaged leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to manage thrips infestations.
By practicing good sanitation, cultural practices, and using appropriate pest management techniques, it is possible to prevent and manage diseases and pests that may affect Aster commutatus var. polycephalus.
