Origin
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones, also known as Long Lobed Milkvetch, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the pea family Fabaceae. The plant is native to North America and can be found in western parts of the United States including Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.
Common Names
The plant Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones is commonly referred to as Long Lobed Milkvetch, Pursh's Milk Vetch, and Mountain Milk Vetch.
Uses
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones has a variety of uses, including medicinal and ecological. The plant has been used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, respiratory issues, and colds. The plant has also been found to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ecologically, the plant is considered a beneficial plant for wildlife, as it provides food and habitat for pollinators and other animals.
General Appearance
The Long Lobed Milkvetch is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60 cm in height. The plant has a deep taproot and multiple stems that may grow up to 20 cm long. The leaves are long and pinnately compound and are divided into many linear leaflets with rounded tips. The flowers of Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones are pinkish-purple in color, and they are arranged in dense clusters at the end of stems. The fruits are small, flattened and contain one or two seeds.
Light Requirements
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but the flowering and seed production may be limited.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a temperate climate with moderate to high heat. The average temperature range for Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones growth is between 20°C and 30°C during the day, and between 10°C and 20°C during the night. The plant can tolerate mild frost, but prolonged exposure can cause damage and hinder growth.
Soil Requirements
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones requires well-draining soils with pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to alkaline. The plant thrives in sandy soils rich in organic matter, but can also grow in rocky soils with a mixture of sand, clay, and gravel. It is important to avoid soils that are waterlogged or prone to flooding as they can cause root rot and other damage to the plant.
Cultivation methods for Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones
When cultivating Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones, it is important to choose a location that provides full sun and well-drained soil. This plant is heat and drought tolerant but cannot tolerate standing water. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in dry conditions that are not prone to flooding. Additionally, this plant is well suited to dry, rocky soils.
Watering needs for Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones is adapted to dry conditions, and therefore, excessive watering should be avoided. However, to promote healthy growth, regular irrigation is necessary in the first couple of years. After that, plants can be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
Fertilization of Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones is adapted to low nutrient availability and therefore does not require regular fertilization. However, to promote healthy growth, an application of a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer can be applied once a year in early spring before new growth appears.
Pruning of Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones is a slow growing plant and does not require regular pruning. However, pruning can be done to remove damaged or diseased branches as well as to control the size and shape of the plant. It is recommended to prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones can be propagated through several methods, including seeds and cuttings.
Seeds
Seeds should be collected when they are matured and dry. They can be sown in well-draining soil or a seed-starting mix with a thin layer of sand or vermiculite on top. Germination rates can be improved by soaking the seeds in water overnight before sowing. The trays should be kept moist but not waterlogged and placed in a sunny location with temperatures around 65-70°F. Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or a larger garden bed when they are large enough to handle.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from new growth in the spring or early summer. Use sharp sterilized pruning shears to cut a section of stem that is 6-8 inches long and has several leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil or a rooting mixture and placed in a shady location. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and cover the cutting with a plastic bag or a cloche to retain humidity. The cutting should root in 2-3 weeks, and once it has developed a good root system, it can be transplanted into individual pots or a larger garden bed.
Disease Management for Astragalus Purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. Longilobus M.E. Jones
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones is susceptible to various plant diseases, including:
- Sclerotinia stem rot - this disease is characterized by water-soaked lesions on the stem and leaves. The lesions later become brown and necrotic, leading to wilting and death of the plant.
- Fusarium wilt - this disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, which attacks the vascular system of the plant. Infected plants show signs of yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth of leaves.
- Rust - this disease manifests as small pustules that form on leaves and stems. The pustules burst and release reddish-brown spores, leading to the death of infected plant tissues.
Effective disease management strategies for Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones include:
- Using disease-resistant cultivars when possible
- Practicing crop rotation to reduce disease incidence
- Implementing good irrigation practices to prevent waterlogging and reduce humidity levels
- Applying fungicides according to label instructions and at recommended rates
Pest Management for Astragalus Purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. Longilobus M.E. Jones
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones can also be attacked by various pests, including:
- Aphids - these sap-sucking insects can stunt growth and deform leaves. They also secrete honeydew, which can foster the growth of sooty mold.
- Spider mites - these tiny pests damage plants by sucking sap and clogging up the leaves with silk webs. Infested leaves may turn yellow, brown or bronze in color.
- Leafhoppers - these insects feed on the sap of the plant and can transmit viral diseases. Infested plants show signs of leaf curling, stunting, and discoloration.
To manage pest infestations in Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. longilobus M.E. Jones:
- Regularly scout fields to identify and monitor pest populations
- Use physical and cultural control measures such as handpicking insects or removing infested plant parts
- Apply insecticides according to label instructions and at recommended rates
- Release natural enemies of pests such as lady beetles and lacewings if possible
