Origin and Common Names
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones, also known as Pursh's milk-vetch, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family. It is commonly found in western North America, including parts of British Columbia, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah.
The plant is named after Frederick Traugott Pursh, a German botanist who collected specimens in North America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The common names for Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones vary by region but include Pursh's milk-vetch, Pursh's locoweed, meadow milk-vetch, and silky milk-vetch.
Uses
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones has historically been used by Native American tribes for its medicinal properties. The plant contains glycosides, which have diuretic properties and can be used to treat kidney problems and hypertension. The plant also has astringent properties and has been used to treat sores, bruises, and other skin conditions.
However, the plant also contains toxic alkaloids, making it poisonous to livestock. Consumption by cattle and sheep can lead to a condition called locoism, which causes neurological impairment and can be fatal. For this reason, ranchers often view the plant as a nuisance and take measures to control its growth.
General Appearance
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to three feet tall. The plant has long, slender stems that are hairy and reddish-brown in color. The leaves are compound, with six to ten pairs of oblong to elliptical leaflets. The flowers are small and tend to be white or pinkish in color, with a slight fragrance. The plant typically flowers from May to July.
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones tends to grow in meadows, open woods, and other habitats with well-drained soils. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. It is often found growing alongside other native forbs and grasses.
Light Requirements
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It cannot tolerate shade or low light conditions. Therefore, it is best to plant the seeds in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The plant can grow well in hot and dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardens in regions with sunny and arid climates.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in a wide range of temperatures, provided that it is not too cold. The ideal temperature for Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones growth is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures can make the plant grow faster, but they also increase water requirements. The plant can survive light frost, but extended periods of freezing weather can harm or kill it. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting the seeds in regions with harsh winters.
Soil Requirements
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones grows best in well-drained soils with a pH between 7.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soils but cannot survive in acidic soils. Therefore, it is best to test the soil's pH before planting the seeds and add lime or other pH adjusting agents if required. The plant prefers sandy or sandy loam soils, but can also grow in clayey soils if they are well-drained. Additionally, the soil should be moderately fertile and not too rich in organic matter.
Cultivation Methods for Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones
The Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones plant prefers well-draining soils and requires a sunny location to grow. The seeds of the plant can be directly sown into the soil during the fall season, and they will germinate in the following spring. However, the plant can also be propagated by taking cuttings and rooting them in a rooting hormone.
Watering Needs for Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones
The plant requires moderate watering during its growing season, and care should be taken not to overwater it. The plant is adapted to a dry climate and can tolerate drought conditions. However, it is important to maintain the soil moisture level at a moderate level, as excessive watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones
The plant does not require heavy fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be used once a year during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth. The application of fertilizers should be limited to prevent excessive growth, which can lead to heightened susceptibility to diseases and pests.
Pruning of Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones
The plant does not require heavy pruning; however, regular maintenance can improve the plant's appearance and prevent the growth of unwanted runners. The plant should be pruned once a year, during the fall season, to remove any dead or diseased branches and to reshape the plant, if necessary. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the plant's main stem during pruning.
Propagation of Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones
There are different methods to propagate Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones, including by seed, stem cuttings, and root division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is one of the common methods used to propagate Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones. This method involves collecting mature seeds from the plant during the flowering period. Once the seeds are collected, they should be sown immediately or stored in a cool and dry place for later use. To sow the seeds, create a seedbed that has fertile soil and good drainage. Sow the seeds thinly on top of the soil and cover them lightly with a soil layer. Water the soil regularly to ensure it stays moist until the seeds germinate.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings involves taking cuttings from the mother plant and rooting them to create new plants. It is a common method used for Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones because it is a simple and effective way to increase the number of plants. To propagate by stem cuttings, take a cutting from the parent plant that has at least two nodes. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it in a rooting medium. Place the container in a location with bright light and maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil. The cutting should root in about four weeks.
Propagation by Root Division
Propagation by root division involves dividing the plant's rhizomes and replanting them to create new plants. This method is usually done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by root division, dig up the plant carefully and separate the rhizomes using a sharp, sterilized knife. Each section should have at least one new shoot and some viable roots. Replant each section in a prepared bed and maintain regular watering until the new plants are established.
Disease Management
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones is a hardy plant that can tolerate some diseases, but it is still vulnerable to certain common diseases. Here are some of the diseases that might affect the plant:
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as yellow, orange, or brown spots on the leaves. The disease can weaken the plant and cause it to drop its leaves. To manage rust, remove the infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery film on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove the infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by overwatering. The disease causes the plant to wilt and yellow, and it can eventually lead to death. To manage root rot, reduce watering and apply a fungicide to the soil.
Pest Management
Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. var. tinctus M.E. Jones is also vulnerable to certain pests. Here are some of the pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to weaken and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water to knock them off and apply an insecticide.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing a stippled appearance. The plant may also show webbing. To manage spider mites, remove infected leaves and apply insecticide.
- Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can cause the plant to distort and turn brown. To manage thrips, remove infected parts of the plant and apply an insecticide.
