Overview
Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones, also known as Mensa milkvetch, is a species of flowering plant in the pea family (Fabaceae). It is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the western United States.
Description
The plant grows up to 30 cm in height, and has a bushy, sprawling growth habit. It has small, alternate, gray-green leaves that are intricately divided into many small leaflets. The plant produces small yellow flowers that bloom from May to June. The fruit is a hairy legume pod that is up to 2 cm in length.
Uses
Native Americans have traditionally used the plant in various medicinal applications. The plant has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat respiratory infections and fever. The plant also has potential applications in modern medicine for the treatment of cancer and diabetes. However, further research is required to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Common names
In addition to Mensa milkvetch, Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones has several other common names, including Mensa milkvetch, Mensano milkvetch, and Dowd Mountain milkvetch.
Light Requirements
The Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones plant prefers full sun to light shade. In its natural habitat, it is often found growing in sunny, open spaces or in rocky environments where it can receive ample sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate the plant in an area that offers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature conditions for the Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones plant are moderate temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F during the day and 50°F to 60°F at night. The plant can tolerate occasional frosts but not prolonged periods of freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is best to plant it in regions with mild winters and cool summers.
Soil Requirements
The Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones plant thrives in well-draining soils that are alkaline or neutral. It can tolerate soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. The plant prefers sandy or gravelly soils with good drainage, as it cannot tolerate waterlogged or soggy soils. Therefore, it is recommended to amend heavy or clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage before planting. Additionally, the plant prefers soil with low to moderate fertility.
Cultivation methods
Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. These plants thrive in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. It's essential to plant them in an area that is protected from afternoon sun during the summer months to prevent scorching of leaves.
Propagation of Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones is done through seed. The seeds should be sown in the fall, directly into the ground, and covered with a thin layer of soil. Alternatively, they can be stratified in the refrigerator for four to six weeks before planting in the spring.
Watering needs
Once established, Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones is quite drought tolerant, but frequent watering is necessary during the first growing season to establish the plant.
Watering should be done at the plant's base to reduce the risk of waterlogging the roots. Avoid frequent overhead irrigation, which can promote fungal diseases.
Fertilization
These plants do not require regular fertilization, but an initial application of a slow-acting fertilizer during planting can be helpful. Ensure that the fertilizer is low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Pruning of Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones is not necessary or recommended. These plants are naturally bushy, and excessive pruning can damage the plant and reduce flowering.
Deadheading of spent flowers can improve the appearance of the plant and encourage more blooms.
Propagation of Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones
Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones, commonly known as Menan Milkvetch, is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. As a perennial plant, it is important for home gardeners or horticulturists to know how to propagate it. Here are some methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds remain the main method for propagating Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones plants. The seeds that contain the genetic information that makes these plants come into life can be planted directly into the soil or can be started indoors in pots filled with sterile soil. The best time to plant the seeds is in the fall, two to three weeks before the first expected frost date. The soil must stay moist, and the seeds should be kept in a location with a temperature between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.
Cuttings Propagation
Although seed propagation is the primary means of growing Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones plants, cuttings could be taken in some cases. Take cuttings in summer and dry them in the shade for several days. Once dried, you need to soak the cuttings in water for 24 hours. Instantly replant your cuttings in fertile soil and keep them moist for a few weeks until they develop substantial roots. It is important to be aware that cuttings propagation is not the most successful method for this plant species.
Division Propagation
Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones plants can also be propagated by dividing their roots. If the plant has been growing for at least three years, the best time to do this during the plant's dormant season. Dig up the whole plant, pull apart gently the clumps of roots, and replant at the desired location. Be sure to keep the soil moist for several weeks until new growth is visibly established.
Overall, there are different methods for propagating this plant. Nevertheless, seed propagation is the most reliable method of producing new plants. With good care, the seedlings will grow into robust plants with beautiful flowers!
Disease Management
Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones is known to be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and stem canker. The best method of disease management is prevention. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant. Powdery mildew can be prevented by providing good air circulation and reducing humidity levels. Stem canker can be prevented by ensuring the stems are not damaged during pruning or training.
If the plant is already affected by diseases, there are some measures that can be taken to manage the diseases. For root rot, remove severely damaged roots and replant the plant in fresh soil. For powdery mildew, apply fungicides that contain potassium bicarbonate or neem oil. For stem canker, remove the infected stem with a sterilized tool and apply fungicides that contain copper hydroxide or maneb to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Astragalus atratus S. Wats. var. mensanus M.E. Jones are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. The best method of pest management is also prevention. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation, and isolate and treat the affected plant to prevent the spread of pests to nearby plants.
If the plant is already affected by pests, there are some measures that can be taken to manage the pests. For aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation. For spider mites, apply miticides that contain abamectin or insecticidal soap. For thrips, apply insecticides that contain spinosad or pyrethrin.
It is important to identify pests correctly as some pests, such as spider mites, can become resistant to certain insecticides if used regularly. Hence, it is always wise to rotate the use of insecticides to prevent resistance.
