Origin
Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones, commonly known as longhair milkvetch, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to the western region of North America, including the state of California.
Common Names
Longhair milkvetch is also known by other common names, including long-haired loco, Longhair Indian milkvetch, and purple loco.
General Appearance
Longhair milkvetch is a perennial plant that can grow up to three feet tall. Its stems are hairy and it produces a dense cluster of purple flowers in the summer. Its leaves are long and narrow, and they have a hairy texture. The plant's root system consists of a deep taproot that can develop up to six feet or more deep into the soil.
Uses
Longhair milkvetch has a high forage value and is commonly used as a food source for livestock, particularly sheep and cattle. It is also used for erosion control and has been planted extensively in areas where soil stabilization is needed. The plant has been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes, particularly in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. However, it is important to note that the plant contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if consumed in large amounts.
Light Requirements
Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones requires full sun exposure to grow and flourish. This means that the plant should receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day to support healthy photosynthesis and growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers temperate to subtropical climates and can withstand fluctuations in temperature. During its active growth season, the ideal daytime temperature range is between 65-80°F (18-26°C), while the nighttime temperature should be around 50-60°F (10-15.5°C).
Soil Requirements
Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones grows well in loose, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good moisture retention capacity. The plant can also tolerate rocky or sandy soils with low fertility but requires regular watering in such conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones is native to the western regions of North America and thrives in dry, rocky environments. It is a perennial plant that grows between 8-24 inches in height. The most favorable time to plant Astragalus racemosus is between late spring and early summer.
The ideal location for planting this species is in an area with well-draining soil and receives plenty of sunlight every day. To cultivate this species, plant the seedlings 6 inches apart and about a quarter-inch deep. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks and will start to bloom within two years if given the proper care.
Watering Needs
Astragalus racemosus requires moderate watering and can tolerate drought conditions but not excessive moisture. It is essential to water the plant thoroughly during the growing season. The plant should be watered once every two weeks, or when the soil is dry to touch.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can damage the plant's roots and even kill it. To ensure that the plant is getting enough water, it is advisable to use a watering can and directly water the plant's base rather than using sprinklers.
Fertilization
Astragalus racemosus does not require regular fertilization and can grow well in nutrient-deficient soil. However, it would be best to fertilize the soil once a year during the early spring season with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Avoid using a fertilizer with high nitrogen content, as it can promote foliage growth and reduce bloom formation.
Instead, use a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage flowering, which is essential for the growth of Astragalus racemosus. Be careful not to over-fertilize your plant, as it can lead to an excessive growth rate that is not ideal for the plant's health.
Pruning
Astragalus racemosus requires minimal pruning and can grow well without excessive interference. However, if there is damage or dead growth present, it is advisable to prune it to promote healthy growth.
You can also prune your plant to maintain its overall shape and size. The best time to prune the plant is during early spring before it starts to bloom. Use sharp and clean pruning shears to cut the damaged or dead growth, and ensure that the cuts are made at an angle.
Propagation of Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones
Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones is a perennial herbaceous plant that can be propagated through two main methods, which are seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones. It involves collecting mature seeds from the plant after flowering and sowing them in a prepared seed bed or directly in the field. The seeds should be sown in early spring or fall, and the seed bed or soil should be well-drained and moist.
The seeds can be treated with hot water to break their dormancy or soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The ideal temperature for seed germination is between 20°C to 25°C. The seedlings should emerge within 10 to 14 days, and they can be transplanted into individual pots when they have at least four true leaves.
Vegetative propagation
Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones can also be propagated through vegetative propagation, which involves taking cuttings or dividing the rootstock. Cuttings should be taken from the plant during the growing season and should have at least three nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be placed in a shaded area until they have formed roots and new growth.
Dividing the rootstock involves carefully digging up the plant and dividing the roots into smaller sections that each have at least one shoot. The sections can then be replanted in a well-drained soil mix in individual pots or in the field. The soil should be kept moist, and the plants should be placed in a shaded area until they have established new growth.
Disease Management
Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones is known for its resilience against most plant diseases. However, there are some common fungal diseases that may affect the plant, such as powdery mildew and rusts.
To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to plant the Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones in a location with adequate sunlight and good air circulation. Also, apply fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil-based products to the plant when the disease is at its early stages. In case of severe infection, pruning the affected areas can also help reduce the spread of the disease.
To manage rusts, it is advisable to remove infected leaves and destroy them as soon as they appear. Rusts can also be controlled by using fungicides containing copper or sulfur, which should be applied at the first sign of the disease.
Pest Management
Astragalus racemosus Pursh var. longisetus M.E. Jones is generally not susceptible to serious pest attacks. However, some insects may occasionally feed on the plant, such as aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
To manage aphids, it is recommended to wash the plant thoroughly with a strong jet of water, which can help remove most of the aphids. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used to control aphids.
To manage spider mites, the plant should be sprayed with water to increase humidity levels. Insecticidal sprays can also be used to control spider mites, but care must be taken to apply them during the early stages of the infestation.
To manage thrips, it is advisable to remove and destroy infested leaves. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used to control thrips, but again, early application is crucial.
Taking regular care of the plant, such as removing dead leaves and stems, and keeping the surrounding areas clean can also help prevent pest attacks.
