Origin and Common Names
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in western states such as Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. The common names of this plant include Thompson's milkvetch, Bigelow's milkvetch, and Thompson's astragalus.
Appearance
The Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones has a unique appearance and can be easily recognized. The plant has a woody stem that grows up to 1 meter tall. The leaves of this plant are alternate and compound, with 7-15 oval-shaped leaflets that are about 2-4 centimeters long. The flowers are purple to blue in color and grow in a terminal raceme. The plant also produces fruits that are pod-shaped and contain several seeds. This plant usually blooms from May to June.
Uses
The Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones has many uses, particularly in the medical field. The plant contains various bioactive compounds that have been used traditionally to treat a variety of health issues. For instance, the roots of the plant have been found to contain flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects. The plant has also been used to improve respiratory function and treat infections.
Moreover, the roots of the plant have been used to treat several chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. However, more research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of using this plant for medical purposes.
Light Requirements:
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae requires full sunlight to grow properly. Thus, it is essential to place the plant in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant is not adaptable to shade, and its growth and flowering will be significantly affected in low light environments.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant can tolerate extreme temperature variations, including heat and frost, allowing it to grow in semi-arid regions. However, it prefers moderate temperatures, with a range of 20°C to 30°C (68°F – 86°F) in the day and 10°C to 15°C (50°F – 59°F) in the night. This range supports photosynthesis and will help prevent the plant from losing excess water through transpiration.
Soil Requirements:
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. The soil should not be too compact, as it may hinder the plant's root growth, leading to stunted growth. Additionally, the plant is adaptable to various soil types such as sandy soil, loam, and clay, provided they are well-draining. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is adequately supplemented with organic matter to improve its water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones plant is relatively easy to cultivate. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and is tolerant to a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils and clay soils.
For best results, it's essential to plant this variety in well-draining soil and in a location with good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew from forming on the leaves.
Watering Needs
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones plant has moderate water requirements and is relatively drought tolerant, making it ideal for water-wise gardens. Ensure you water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
It's more advisable to water your plant less frequently than to overwater it regularly. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases that can be challenging to control.
Fertilization
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones Plant only requires moderate fertilization to thrive. It's best to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to ensure that your plant gets the necessary nutrients.
Apply the fertilizer as directed on the package in the soil around the plant. Additionally, you can supplement with compost or organic matter throughout the season to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning your Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones plant is essential to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. You should prune before the growing season starts, usually in late winter or early spring.
Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired. Additionally, you can prune back the plant's stems and foliage by about one-third to encourage more plant growth throughout the season.
Propagation of Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones, also known as Thompson's milkvetch, can be propagated through different methods such as seed, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common way to propagate Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae. The seeds can be collected from the plant when they are mature and dry. To help break the seed dormancy, the seeds can be scarified by soaking them in hot tap water overnight, or by rubbing them with sandpaper. The scarified seeds are sown in pots or trays filled with a well-draining seed starting mix, and kept moist until germination.
Division Propagation
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae can be propagated through division, although this method can be stressful to the plant and should be done with care. The plant should be lifted, and the root ball can be divided into sections, each with a portion of the stem and some roots. The divided sections can then be transplanted into new pots or directly into the ground.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting propagation can also be used to propagate Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, new growth, and stripped of their lower leaves. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone, and then planted in a well-draining rooting medium, such as perlite or sand. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm, and after several weeks, should have started to form roots.
Disease Management
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones can be susceptible to various diseases such as Fusarium wilt, root rot, and bacterial blight. Fusarium wilt causes wilting of leaves, yellowing of foliage, and eventually death of the plant. Root rot, which is caused by soil-borne fungi, can result in the decay of the plant's roots and subsequent death. Bacterial blight causes water-soaked lesions on the leaves which later turn brown and dry up.
The best way to manage these diseases is by practicing good cultural practices. Proper sanitation, including the removal of infected plants, can prevent the spread of disease. It's important to water the plant correctly, avoiding over-watering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilization at appropriate levels can also help to keep the plant healthy and thus less susceptible to disease. In severe cases, chemical treatments may be necessary, and it's recommended to seek help from a licensed professional.
Pest management
Astragalus bigelovii Gray var. thompsoniae (S.Wats.) M.E. Jones can also be targeted by various pests, including spider mites, aphids, and grasshoppers. Spider mites are tiny and can cause the leaves of the plant to become stippled and discolored. Aphids, on the other hand, can cause a reduction in the plant's vigor and yield. Grasshoppers feed on leaves, stems, and flowers, causing significant damage to the plant.
To manage these pests, it's important to monitor the plant regularly. Early detection can make a significant difference in controlling populations. Chemical treatments can be effective but should be used as a last resort. There are many non-chemical pest control methods available, including introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, using insecticidal soap or neem oil, and manually removing the pests by hand. It's important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid any disruption to beneficial insects, which can help to control pests.
