Origin
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby is a herbaceous plant species in the pea family (Fabaceae) that is widely distributed across western North America, particularly in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. The plant is commonly found in desert habitats, including sandy washes, rocky slopes, and desert flats, and can be found at elevations from 2000 to 6500 feet.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Mogollon milkvetch, Mogollon locoweed, or simply Mogollon astragalus, named after the Mogollon Mountains in New Mexico where it is frequently found. The plant is also known as bigelovii milkvetch after its original name, Astragalus bigelovii, which commemorates its discoverer, John Milton Bigelow, a botanist who collected plants across the western United States in the mid-1800s.
Uses
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus is an important forage plant for livestock in the western United States, and is also used as a medicinal plant by Native American tribes in the region. The plant's taproot is known to contain bioactive compounds that have been used in traditional Native American medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory problems and digestive disorders.
General Appearance
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus is a perennial plant species that grows up to 2 feet tall and has a woody taproot that can penetrate up to 8 feet into the soil. The plant has upright stems that are covered in fine hairs, and its leaves are compound, consisting of 12-24 leaflets that grow up to 1 inch long. The plant's flowers are arranged in elongated clusters and are pea-shaped, with a lavender or pink color. The fruit of the plant is a narrow, elongated pod that contains several seeds.
Light Requirements
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby thrives best in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Insufficient sunlight may lead to poor growth or even death of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures varying from hot to cool. Ideal temperature for the growth of Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby ranges from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, however it can survive heavy frost and extreme heat as well.
Soil Requirements
The plant can survive in a variety of soils that are alkaline, sandy, rocky or clayey. It grows best in well-drained soil that's rich in minerals. In general, Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby prefers slightly acidic soils. Soil pH around 6.0 to 7.0 is the most suitable range for its growth.
Cultivation
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby is a hardy plant that can withstand dry and arid conditions. It is easy to grow and propagate and can be cultivated in containers or directly in the ground. The plant thrives in well-draining soil and full sunlight.
Watering Needs
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby requires occasional watering as it is a drought-tolerant plant. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. The plant can survive on rainfall alone, making it a low-maintenance plant.
Fertilization
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby does not require frequent fertilization. However, a light application of fertilizer in early spring can help stimulate growth. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby. However, dead or damaged stems should be removed to maintain the plant's overall health and appearance. The plant can also be pruned to control its size and shape if desired.
Propagation of Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby, commonly known as Mogollon milkvetch, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. Here are the propagation methods:
Propagation through Seeds
The plant produces seeds, which can be used for propagation. The seeds are usually collected when the seed pods mature and start to break. The seeds are then cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted. The best time to plant the seeds is in the fall, but they can also be planted in early spring.
Before planting, the seeds should be scarified to break their hard coating. This can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water for a few hours or nicking the seed coat with a knife. The seeds should then be planted in well-drained soil and kept evenly moist until germination.
Propagation through Cuttings
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus can also be propagated through cuttings. This is done by taking stem cuttings from a mature plant. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from the current year’s growth.
The bottom leaves of the cuttings should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. The cuttings should be kept out of direct sunlight and watered regularly until they root, which usually takes 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be transferred to larger containers or planted in the ground.
Disease Management
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby is generally resistant to diseases, but it can still be affected by certain diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and rust. These diseases can be managed through the following methods:
- Preventive measures: Practicing good cultural practices, such as keeping the soil well-drained, providing adequate sunlight, and avoiding overhead irrigation, can help prevent the development of diseases.
- Chemical control: Fungicides can be used to control certain diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. However, it is important to use fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions and avoid spraying during blooming.
- Biological control: Beneficial microorganisms can be used to control diseases such as root rot. For instance, the application of Trichoderma harzianum can suppress the growth of the root-rot fungus.
Pest Management
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. mogollonicus (Greene) Barneby can also be affected by certain pests such as spider mites, aphids, and leafhoppers. These pests can damage the plant and reduce its yield. The following methods can be used to manage pests:
- Preventive measures: Sanitation practices, such as removing weed hosts and plant debris, can help prevent the build-up of pest populations. Additionally, providing adequate fertilization and irrigation can improve the plant's resistance to pests.
- Chemical control: Insecticides can be used to control certain pests such as aphids and leafhoppers. However, it is important to use insecticides according to the manufacturer's instructions, and avoid spraying during blooming.
- Biological control: Natural enemies of pests, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can be introduced to the environment to control pest populations. Additionally, certain microbes, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, can be used to control certain pests such as caterpillars.
