Origin
Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn, also known as Purple-flowered Milkvetch, is a species of flowering plant in the bean family found in North America. It is native to the western United States, specifically in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah.
Common Names
The plant Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn is commonly known by several other names including Purple-flowered Milkvetch, Gilflowered Milk Vetch, Purple Locoweed, and Purple Wollypod.
Uses
Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn has several uses within traditional Native American medicine. Some tribes have used the plant to treat respiratory problems while others have used the plant as a digestive aid. Additionally, the plant contains chemical compounds which are being studied for their potential anticancer properties.
General Appearance
Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn is a herbaceous perennial plant typically growing up to 50 centimeters tall. The plant features several leaflets that are gray-green and have a pointed tip. The flowers of the plant are small, purple, and are typically found in clusters near the top of the stems. The plant is often found growing in sandy or rocky soils in dry and arid climates.
Light Requirements
Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn is a plant that requires full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, the plant should be exposed to at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, the plant should be placed near a south-facing window or under grow lights that simulate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant requires warm temperatures to thrive. Ideally, the temperature range should be between 65°F to 85°F. At temperatures lower than 60°F, the plant may not grow well and could experience stunted growth or die. Therefore, it is critical to provide a warm environment if you plan on growing this plant indoors.
Soil Requirements
The Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn plant thrives best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be enriched with organic matter to provide sufficient nutrients and seepage of excess water. This plant adapts well to various soil types, including loam, sand, clay, or rocky soils. However, the soil should never be waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and ultimately kill the plant. Regular soil fertilization or organic matter addition could enhance the overall growth, biomass, and survival of your plant.
Cultivation Methods for Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn
Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn should be grown in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal climate for growth is arid or semi-arid regions with low humidity. The plant can also thrive in areas with low rainfall and seasonal temperature variation.
Watering Needs for Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn
Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn prefers infrequent deep watering as opposed to frequent light watering. Water the plant deeply once every two weeks to six weeks, depending on climate and soil conditions. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot and kill the plant.
Fertilization of Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn
Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn requires minimal fertilizer application. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer once a year during the spring season. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as this can cause excessive foliage growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning of Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn
Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn does not require much pruning except for the removal of dead, damaged, or diseased stems. Trim the plant after the flowering period to encourage bushier growth and better flowering in the following season. Avoid heavy pruning as this can stunt the plant's growth, reduce its flowering, and make it susceptible to disease and pest attack.
Propagation of Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn
Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn, also known as purpleflower milkvetch, is a hardy perennial that can be propagated through several methods:
1. Seeds
The easiest way to propagate purpleflower milkvetch is through seeds. The seeds generally germinate in the spring after winter dormancy. Scarlet milkvetch seeds require scarification, which is the process of breaking the seed coat, to facilitate germination. The most common method is to soak the seeds in hot water for several hours to break down the seed coat. The seeds can then be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination.
2. Cuttings
Purpleflower milkvetch can also be propagated through cuttings. However, cuttings can be a bit more challenging than seed propagation. Cuttings can be collected in early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be around 6 inches long and taken from the top of the plant. Cuttings can be treated with a rooting hormone to promote root growth and then planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment until they establish roots.
3. Division
Purpleflower milkvetch can also be propagated through division. This method is usually best done in the fall after the plant has completed flower production. The plant can be dug up, and the root ball separated into smaller sections. The smaller sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they establish roots.
Disease Management
Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn may be susceptible to various diseases, such as root rot, powdery mildew, and rust. These diseases can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and reduced fruiting or flowering.
To manage root rot, avoid over-watering the plant and improve drainage in the soil. Applying fungicides may also help control the disease. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation around the plant and maintain proper spacing between plants. Fungicides can help treat the disease but should be used with caution. Rust can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Several pests can damage Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn, including spider mites, aphids, and thrips. These pests can cause leaf discoloration, leaf drop, and reduced growth.
To manage spider mites, use a strong spray of water to wash the leaves or apply insecticidal soap. Aphids can be controlled by releasing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings. Alternatively, insecticidal soap can also be used. Thrips can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant and proper cultural practices, such as pruning, fertilization, and sanitation, can help prevent and manage diseases and pests in Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon var. purpureus Dorn.
