Origin and Common Names
Astragalus Calycosus Torr. ex S. Wats. var. Scaposus (Gray) M.E. Jones, also known as the Ground Plum or Longstalk Milk Vetch, is native to western North America, particularly to the Great Basin and surrounding regions.
General Appearance
This slender plant reaches up to 50 cm in height, with a woody base and a single erect stem covered in long, narrow leaves. The flowers are pink to purple in color and can be found in clusters on the upper half of the plant. The fruit is a small, rounded pod, which contains a single seed and has a plum-like appearance, leading to its common name Ground Plum. The root of this plant is woody and fibrous.
Uses
Native American tribes used the Ground Plum for medicinal purposes, including as a remedy for respiratory infections, sore throats, and stomach ailments. The plant also has ecological importance in its native habitat, as it provides an important food source for livestock and wildlife, as well as serves as a host plant for various butterfly species. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in some regions due to its attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Wats. var. scaposus (Gray) M.E. Jones prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to weakened growth and decreased flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant variety is native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and thus requires warm temperatures. It can withstand high temperatures but does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures well. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 90°F.
Soil Requirements
Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Wats. var. scaposus (Gray) M.E. Jones grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers soils that are moderately fertile and have a sandy or gravelly texture. It can tolerate drought conditions, but regular watering during the growing season can promote better growth and flowering.
Cultivation
Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Wats. var. scaposus (Gray) M.E. Jones is a hardy perennial plant that belongs to the legume family. It is commonly known as the Groundplum milkvetch or simply as Groundplum. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soils.
This plant thrives in areas with dry and hot summers and cold winters. It's best to grow it in zones 4-8 of the USDA Hardiness Zones. Groundplum plants can grow up to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide and have stalks with small, white, purple-veined flowers. They have strong root systems that fix nitrogen, making them beneficial for soil fertility.
Watering Needs
Groundplum milkvetch plants are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering, especially during their dormant season. It would be best if you watered them occasionally during the growing season, preferably once a week, depending on the rainfall in your area. Make sure to water them deeply but avoid overwatering, which may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Groundplum milkvetchplants are low-maintenance and do not require regular fertilization. However, a light application of a well-balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, can be beneficial in the early spring after the soil thaws. You can also add some compost or aged manure once a year to improve soil fertility and nutrient content.
Pruning
Groundplum milkvetch plants require minimal pruning. The best time to prune them is during their dormant season in late fall or early winter. Cut back the top growth to ground level to promote new growth for the next season. Removing the dead and damaged stems improves the plant's appearance and encourages new growth. However, it's advisable to avoid pruning them during their growing season, which may cause reduced flowering or damage the plant.
Propagation of Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Wats. var. scaposus (Gray) M.E. Jones
Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Wats. var. scaposus (Gray) M.E. Jones can be propagated both by seed and vegetatively.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Wats. var. scaposus (Gray) M.E. Jones can be sown directly in the ground during the fall or in the early spring. Before sowing the seeds, it is necessary to scarify them with sandpaper or a file to break their hard seed coat. After scarification, the seeds must be soaked in water for 24 hours to enhance their germination. Once the seeds are ready, they should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate. The germination period for these seeds usually lasts between 21 and 30 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Another way to propagate Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Wats. var. scaposus (Gray) M.E. Jones is through vegetative propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy plant and rooting them in a suitable medium. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the early spring before new growth appears. To take the cuttings, look for stems that are healthy and don't have any flowers. Cut a section of the stem that is 3-4 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and insert it in a potting medium, such as perlite or vermiculite. Keep the cutting moist and in a warm, bright location. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks, and once they have, the new plant can be transplanted into well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Wats. var. scaposus (Gray) M.E. Jones
Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Wats. var. scaposus (Gray) M.E. Jones, also known as the Road Canyon milkvetch, is a native plant species found in North America. This plant is used in the restoration of disturbed sites and forage production. However, it can suffer from diseases and pests that can endanger its growth and survival. Managing these diseases and pests is essential to ensure the health and productivity of the plant.
Common Diseases
Road Canyon milkvetch can be affected by various diseases. One of the most common diseases that can infect this plant is the fungal disease, powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as white powdery spots on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. It can weaken the plant and cause premature leaf drop. To manage powdery mildew, it is best to remove the affected plant parts and destroy them. Additionally, using fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil can also help manage the disease.
Another disease that can affect this plant is the root rot caused by water saturation in the soil. Root rot can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is essential to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil has good drainage.
Common Pests
Road Canyon milkvetch can also be vulnerable to various pests that can damage the plant's leaves and flowers. One of the most common pests that can infect this plant is the aphid. Aphids can suck the sap out of the plant, cause the leaves to curl, and transmit viral diseases. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings into the garden. Additionally, using insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control the aphid population.
Another pest that can affect this plant is the mites. Mites are tiny pests that can cause discoloration, spots, and deformation of the leaves. To manage mite infestation, it is recommended to prune out the affected plant parts and discard them to prevent the spread of the infestation. Additionally, using pesticides such as insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can also help control the mites.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is crucial for ensuring the health and productivity of the Road Canyon milkvetch. By identifying the common diseases and pests that can infect this plant and using proper management techniques, growers can keep their plants healthy and productive.
