Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl.
Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is a native plant of North America and can be found growing in the southern part of the United States, including Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Some common names for this species include Tall milkvetch or Mesa milkvetch.
General appearance
The plant has a robust and sturdy appearance, often growing up to a height of 1.5 meters. It has long, slender leaves, and the stem is covered in fine hairs. The flowers of the plant are small, and they come in shades of purple or violet. After blooming, the plant produces seed pods that are small and oblong.
Uses
The roots of Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. have been traditionally used by Native Americans for their medicinal properties. The plant is known to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides, which are believed to provide various health benefits. Some studies suggest that consuming Astragalus altus extracts may help boost the immune system, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce inflammation. In addition, the plant has been used as a forage crop for livestock and wildlife food.
Light Requirements
Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. thrives in areas with full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth. The plant may still grow and survive with partial shade, but the flowers may not bloom as robustly as they would under full sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico and grows best in warm to hot temperatures. The temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F to 85°F (15.6°C to 29.4°C). As long as temperatures do not exceed 100°F (37.8°C) for extended periods, Astragalus altus should be able to grow and thrive.
Soil Requirements
Astragalus altus grows well in well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Soil texture can range from sandy to clay. The plant prefers soils that are rich in organic matter, so it's recommended to amend heavy or sandy soils with compost before planting. The plant is drought-tolerant but still requires regular watering and good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods for Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl.
Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. is a hardy plant that thrives in well-draining, sandy soils. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. When cultivating, ensure that you plant the seedlings in an area that receives full sunlight exposure.
The best time to plant the Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. seedlings is during the early spring months. To provide the seedlings with adequate space, plant them at least 18-24 inches apart from one another.
Watering Needs
Like most plants, adequate watering is crucial to the growth and well-being of the Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. Ensure that you water the plant frequently, especially during the first few months of growth.
The best way to water this plant is to give it a thorough soaking rather than light, frequent watering. This encourages the root system to grow deeper and spread out, ensuring the plant's stability in strong winds or storms.
Fertilization
Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. requires minimal fertilization. As a legume plant, it has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which provides the necessary nutrients required for healthy growth.
However, if the soil is deficient in nutrients, add some all-purpose fertilizer to the tree during its initial growth stage. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer, which releases nutrients gradually over time.
Pruning
Pruning is not usually required for Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. However, trimming back any damaged or diseased branches is essential to the plant's overall health.
You can also prune the plant to shape it when the tree is matured. Prune lightly in the late winter or early spring before the new growth season begins.
Propagation of Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl.
Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is also commonly known as tall milkvetch and crested milkvetch.
The plant is commonly propagated through seed, as it is the easiest and most efficient method of reproduction.
Seed Propagation
The seed of Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. is generally sown in fall or early spring, either directly into the ground or into seed trays. The ideal soil temperature for germination is around 20-25°C (68-77°F).
The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1cm (0.4 inches) and spaced at least 30cm (12 inches) apart. After sowing, the seeds should be lightly covered with soil and watered gently.
The plants usually take around 2-4 weeks to germinate and after germination, the seedlings should be thinned to maintain a 30cm (12 inches) spacing between plants.
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagation for Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl., as it is relatively easy and produces strong, healthy plants. Once established, the plants will self-seed and spread easily in the right conditions.
Disease Management
The plant Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. is generally susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth, development, and yield. The following are the common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and death of the above-ground parts. To manage Fusarium wilt, ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soils, avoid overcrowding, and practice crop rotation.
- Phytophthora root rot: This is a disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing stunting, wilting, and death. Avoid planting the plant in areas with poor drainage and avoid overwatering. Use fungicides according to the manufacturer's recommendations to manage Phytophthora root rot.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, causing a whitish powdery growth on the surface. To manage powdery mildew, use fungicides, remove and destroy affected plant parts, and maintain adequate air circulation.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, the plant Astragalus altus Woot. & Standl. can also be attacked by several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The following are common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: These are sucking insects that can cause stunting, wilting, and death of the plant. Use insecticides, introduce natural predators, remove and destroy affected plant parts, and maintain adequate air circulation to manage aphids.
- Cutworms: These are caterpillars that cut the stem of the plant at the soil line, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use insecticides, use physical barriers around the plant, and remove and destroy affected plants.
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing, curling, and stunting. Use insecticides, practice good sanitation, maintain adequate air circulation, and introduce natural predators to manage spider mites.
