Origin and Common Names
Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii Welsh & Thorne, also known as Higgins' milk-vetch or Higgins' locoweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to the intermountain region of western North America, specifically found in the states of California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Montana.Uses
Several Native American tribes have traditionally used various parts of Higgins' milk-vetch for medicinal purposes such as gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, and fever. The plant has also been used in the reclamation of degraded lands, as it is known to improve soil fertility and stabilize soils. However, it should be noted that some species of Astragalus, including Higgins' milk-vetch, are known to contain toxic alkaloids that can cause locoism in livestock, resulting in tremors, muscle weakness, and death. Therefore, it is important to use this plant with caution and consult with experts before any use.General Appearance
Higgins' milk-vetch is a low-growing perennial plant with a deep taproot that can grow up to 3 feet long. It has a highly branched stem that is covered in long, silky hairs. The leaves are composed of 7-13 narrow leaflets that have a gray-green color and hairy surface. The flowers are pinkish-purple and are clustered in spikes at the tips of the stems. The fruits are hairy, reddish-brown, and contain one or two seeds. Overall, it has a bushy and untidy appearance that blends well with the surrounding landscape.Light Conditions
The Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii requires full exposure to sunlight. These plants grow in open and sunny areas, and they need direct sunlight for their growth. They cannot tolerate shady conditions, and if they are planted in such areas, they may not grow and thrive.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species grows in the arid regions of Western North America, where the temperature is known to vary significantly throughout the day. During the day, the temperature can reach up to 120°F, while at night, it can drop to below freezing. Therefore, these plants are accustomed to hot and dry temperatures and can survive in a wide range of temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii requires soil that is well-drained and contains little moisture. They can grow in sandy soils, rocky soils, and even in clay soils, as long as the soil has excellent drainage properties. The pH level of the soil is not critical, but they prefer slightly alkaline soil (pH 7.0-8.5). These plants can tolerate drought conditions and do not require a lot of water. However, if the soil is exceptionally dry, they may need occasional watering.
Cultivation
Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii Welsh & Thorne thrives in well-draining soils with full sun exposure. It is hardy and can tolerate high temperatures, low humidity, and drought conditions.
The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown during the fall or winter, and cuttings can be taken from mature plants at any time of the year.
Watering
Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii Welsh & Thorne requires occasional watering during the growing season. It is important not to overwater the plant, as too much water can cause root rot. Water the plant deeply, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
In the dormant season, the plant can survive with little to no watering.
Fertilization
Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii Welsh & Thorne is a nitrogen-fixing plant and does not require fertilization. However, if the plant is grown in poor soil, it might benefit from a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii Welsh & Thorne. However, if you desire a bushier plant, pinch back the tips of young plants to encourage branching and fuller growth. You can also remove dead or damaged branches as needed.
Propagation of Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii Welsh & Thorne
Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii (commonly known as Higgins' woollypod) can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant can be propagated by collecting seeds from mature plants. Collect the dry pods in the fall and dry them further by keeping them in a cool, dry place. Once the seeds are fully dried, they can be stored in an envelope or container until you are ready to plant them.
For best results, soak the seeds in water for a few hours before planting them in well-draining soil. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch and water them regularly. Germination typically occurs within one to two weeks, and the seedlings should be ready for transplanting after six months.
Asexual propagation
Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii can also be propagated asexually using stem or root cuttings. Take cuttings from mature plants in the spring or early summer and make sure each cutting has at least one node.
Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Water the cutting regularly and keep it in a warm, bright location. The cutting should root in four to six weeks and can be transplanted to its final location after a few months.
Disease Management
The Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii is susceptible to different diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Root Rot
Root rot is a severe fungal disease that affects the roots of plants, leading to wilting, yellowing, and eventually death. To manage and prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, and ensure good drainage always. In case of infection, remove affected plants immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Mold
Mold is a common fungal disease that primarily affects the leaves, stem, and flowers of the Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii. It causes white or grayish-colored patches on the infected parts of the plant. To prevent and manage mold, maintain proper air circulation by spacing out plants, and avoid overcrowding. Also, regularly remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant and apply a fungicide spray to prevent further infection.
Pest Management
The following are some common pests that might affect the Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii and ways to manage them.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant, causing discoloration and the formation of webs. To manage spider mites, apply insecticidal soap, and insecticide sprays regularly. Also, keep the plant well-watered to discourage infestation and regularly remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant.
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small, slim insects that jump around and feed on the Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. var. higginsii plant. They cause stunted growth, yellowing, and browning of the leaves. To manage and prevent leafhopper infestation, encourage natural predators like spiders, wasps, and birds and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
