Origin
Astragalus episcopus S. Wats. var. lancearius (Gray) Isely is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to the western United States, particularly in the states of California, Arizona, and Utah.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as bishop's milkvetch or bishop's loco weed. The specific epithet "episcopus" means bishop in Latin, which alludes to the shape of the fruiting calyx that resembles a bishop's miter or hat. The name "loco weed" is a moniker used for several species of Astragalus that are toxic to livestock, causing them to exhibit loco or crazy behavior.
Uses
Bishop's milkvetch is primarily used for erosion control and as a forage for livestock in rangelands. However, it is also known to have medicinal properties, with the roots and leaves used by Native Americans to treat various ailments such as respiratory and digestive disorders, skin conditions, and pain.
General Appearance
The plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 2 feet tall with a stem that is woody at the base. Its leaves are pinnately compound, consisting of 7-13 lanceolate leaflets that are 1-2 inches long. The flowers are light purple to lavender, pea-like, and bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a papery pod containing several seeds arranged like beads on a string.
Light Requirements
Astragalus episcopus S. Wats. var. lancearius (Gray) Isely thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a bright and sunny location, especially during the cooler months. In areas with intense afternoon heat, it may need some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the western regions of North America and can withstand a range of temperature conditions. It prefers a cool to mild climate with temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is drought tolerant and can tolerate cold temperatures up to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Astragalus episcopus S. Wats. var. lancearius (Gray) Isely prefers a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be sandy or loamy, and rich in organic matter. The root system of the plant is shallow, so the soil should be loose and not compacted. It can also tolerate dry, rocky soils found in alpine areas.
Cultivation Methods
Astragalus episcopus S. Wats. var. lancearius (Gray) Isely is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Plant the seedlings or cuttings in spring or fall, and space them at least 1 foot apart in rows with a gap of 2 to 3 feet between each row. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently.
Watering Needs
Water the plant regularly, at least once a week, especially in hot weather, until it's established. Reduce the watering frequency as the plant matures, as it can tolerate drought conditions. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot, yellowing, and wilting.
Fertilization
Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, twice a year; once in spring and once in late summer. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions, and avoid applying it directly to the plant stems or leaves. Overfertilizing can burn the plant roots and harm the growth.
Pruning
Prune the plant lightly in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches, and to shape it if necessary. Do not prune heavily, as it can affect the plant's growth and flowering. Deadhead the spent flowers to promote new blooms and to prevent the seed pods from forming. Remove any yellowing or yellowed leaves promptly to avoid the spread of disease.
Propagation of Astragalus episcopus S. Wats. var. lancearius (Gray) Isely
Astragalus episcopus S. Wats. var. lancearius (Gray) Isely, commonly known as "Bishop's milkvetch," is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is a popular plant in the western region of North America, known for its medicinal and ecological values. The plant propagates easily, and below are the propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Astragalus episcopus S. Wats. var. lancearius is through seeds. Seed propagation is an easy and straightforward process. Collect the plant's seeds during the fall and place them in a paper bag or a container. Keep the container in a dry and cool place until the spring when it's time to plant the seeds. Stratification is necessary for the seeds to germinate effectively. Stratification takes about one to three months, depending on the variety of the plant. Plant the seeds in prepared soil and ensure the soil is moist. Place the plant in a warm and sunny area for optimal growth.
Vegetative Propagation
Another propagation method for Astragalus episcopus S. Wats. var. lancearius is vegetative propagation. Vegetative propagation involves using different parts of the mother plant, such as tubers, bulbs, corms, or stem cuttings, to grow new plants. Bishop's milkvetch produces rhizomes, which can be used for vegetative propagation. Rhizomes are divided into sections, and each section can be planted in prepared soil. Ensure the soil is moist and place the plant in a warm area with adequate sunlight.
Division
The division of Astragalus episcopus S. Wats. var. lancearius is a simple and effective propagation method. Divide the plant into sections during the spring or fall and replant each section in prepared soil. Ensure the soil is moist and place the plant in a warm area with adequate sunlight.
The Bishop's milkvetch has a high rate of germination and can tolerate different soil conditions. The plant's propagation methods are easy, and they guarantee fast and effective germination for a successful harvest.
Disease Management
Astragalus episcopus S. Wats. var. lancearius (Gray), commonly known as Lanceleaf milkvetch, is generally a hardy plant with no serious disease problems. However, it may sometimes be susceptible to fungal infections such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
To manage fungal diseases on the plant, it is advisable to promote good air circulation by thinning out dense areas and providing adequate spacing between plants. Avoid overhead watering to reduce leaf wetness and thus discourage fungal growth. In addition, prune and remove all diseased plant parts and dispose of them properly. Apply a fungicide as needed, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Lanceleaf milkvetch is also fairly resistant to pest infestations. However, there are some pests that can sometimes attack the plant. These include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to wilt and become stunted. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap as needed.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and increase humidity around it. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if infestation is severe.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of certain species of moths and cut the stem of the young plant causing it to droop and die. To manage cutworms, handpick them off the plant at night or apply a natural insecticide, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, to the soil around the plant.
- Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage leafhoppers, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of pest infestations and to take prompt action to manage them.
