Description of Aster excavatus Burgess
Aster excavatus Burgess, commonly known as the Subway Aster, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to the western United States and is commonly found in the areas of Southern Rocky Mountains, Great Basin region, and the Colorado Plateau.
General Appearance
Aster excavatus Burgess has a clumping growth habit, with stems typically growing up to three feet tall and one foot wide. The leaves of this plant are narrow, lance-shaped, and mainly smooth, with toothed edges. The flowers of Subway Aster are a standout feature, appearing in late summer and early fall with a range of colors from pale blue, pink to whitish-yellow and grow in clusters of up to five.
Common Names
Subway Aster is commonly known as Rugose Aster, Bumpy Leaf Aster or Excavated Aster and reference to its favored habitat of subways and other urban infrastructure.
Uses
Subway Aster has medicinal applications, as it is believed to have immune-boosting properties. Also, the plant is used in landscaping projects because of its beautiful blooms and as a pollinator attractor.
Typical Growth Conditions for Aster excavatus Burgess
Light: Aster excavatus Burgess requires full sunlight to grow properly. They need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. If they do not receive enough sunlight, they will become weak and leggy.
Temperature: This plant prefers a moderate temperature range between 60 and 75°F. It is important to make sure that the temperature remains consistent and does not experience any sudden drops or spikes, as this can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Soil: Aster excavatus Burgess requires rich, fertile soil that has good drainage. The ideal soil pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can affect the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering. The soil should be able to dry out somewhat between waterings, but not to the point of being completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilizer: Aster excavatus Burgess can benefit from periodic fertilizing with a balanced granular fertilizer. It is best to apply fertilizer during the growing season, and it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you are using.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If using seeds, they should be sown in the spring. Cuttings should be taken in the fall or early spring and placed in rooting hormone before planting in moist soil.
By providing the right conditions, Aster excavatus Burgess can thrive and produce beautiful blooms in the late summer and fall. With proper care, this plant can add color and interest to any garden or landscape.
Cultivation Methods for Aster excavatus Burgess
Aster excavatus Burgess, commonly referred to as Rocky Mountain aster, is a native of the western United States. It is a hardy plant that thrives in rocky soils and alpine meadows.
To successfully grow Aster excavatus Burgess, it is recommended to plant it in well-draining soil. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 to 7.5. It tolerates partial shade to full sun, but it is more bloom if it receives ample sunlight.
During the winter months, this plant goes dormant and requires much less water. But come spring, ensure that the soil is kept moist, but not overly saturated. Aster excavatus Burgess prefers consistent, deep watering over a period of time, rather than frequent shallow watering.
Watering Needs
Aster excavatus Burgess enjoys moist soil, so it needs watering regularly for the first year. Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, but deep watering every ten to fourteen days is ideal. It's essential to give the plant time to absorb the water and allow the soil to dry a bit between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal infections.
Fertilization
Aster excavatus Burgess does not require a lot of fertilizer. Adding organic matter to the soil in the early spring is sufficient. Organic matter can come from things like compost or animal manure. Avoid using chemical fertilizers, which can harm the delicate roots of the plant and the beneficial organisms in the soil.
Pruning
Aster excavatus Burgess benefits from pruning after flowering has ceased. Once the blossoms start to fade, pinch them at the stem. Be sure to trim the plant lightly, just enough to take off dead or wilted growth, because the plant can dry out its foliage quickly. Do not cut back the foliage entirely as it provides energy for the plant, to prepare for dormancy in the fall and winter months.
Propagation of Aster Excavatus Burgess
Aster excavatus Burgess, commonly known as the excavated aster, is a herbaceous perennial plant that can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Propagating Aster excavatus Burgess from seeds is relatively easy. The seeds need to be stratified before sowing them in a seed tray or outdoors in a prepared bed. The stratification process involves keeping the seeds in a moist, cool environment for several weeks to break their dormancy. Once the seeds have been stratified, they can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate. Germination usually takes two to three weeks, and seedlings can be transplanted once they have developed their first true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Propagating Aster excavatus Burgess through cuttings is the quickest way to get new plants, as the cuttings will root relatively quickly. To take a cutting, choose a healthy stem with several sets of leaves, and make a diagonal cut just below a node. Remove any leaves that would be below the soil line, and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mix, and keep it moist until new growth appears, indicating that the cutting has rooted. Once rooted, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or outdoors in a prepared bed.
Division Propagation
Aster excavatus Burgess can also be propagated through division. To do this, wait until the plant is dormant in the fall or early spring, and then carefully dig up the entire plant. Using a sharp, clean knife, divide the root ball into sections, making sure each section has several crowns with healthy shoots and roots. Replant the divisions in a prepared bed or individual pots, and keep them well-watered until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Aster excavatus Burgess
Aster excavatus Burgess is a beautiful flowering plant that can suffer from various diseases and pests. It is necessary to identify the problem and take prompt action to prevent the plant from dying. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Aster excavatus Burgess and the ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears on the leaves and stems. The plant becomes covered by white, powdery patches that can cause reduced growth and blooming. To manage this problem, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Increase air circulation around the plant.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is a soil-borne disease that affects roots. It occurs when the soil is too wet and the roots become soggy. Yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth are the common symptoms of root rot. To manage this problem, reduce watering and improve soil drainage.
Common Pests
1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that appear on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and dropping of leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with water or neem oil. Avoid using chemical pesticides that can harm beneficial insects.
2. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, resulting in stunted growth and wilting. Use a strong spray of water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
Regular inspection of the plant and early recognition of problems can help manage diseases and pests in Aster excavatus Burgess. By implementing preventive measures, you can ensure a healthy and beautiful plant.
