Origin
Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby, also known as Big Bear Lake milkvetch, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to the western United States, where it can be found growing in the mountainous regions of California, Nevada, and Utah at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 11,000 feet.
Common Names
In addition to its scientific name, Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby is also commonly known as Big Bear Lake milkvetch, Big Bear Lake astragalus, and Big Bear Lake locoweed.
Uses
Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby has various uses in traditional medicine. Native American tribes used the plant to treat ailments like coughs, colds, and fever. The roots of the plant were also used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Today, extracts from the plant are used in dietary supplements as an immune system booster and to treat chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
General Appearance
Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 16 inches tall. It has a single stem with compound leaves that each have up to 15 leaflets. The plant produces small, pea-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. The fruit is a hairy legume pod that contains a few seeds.
The plant can be found growing in meadows, rocky slopes, and pine forests. It has a long taproot that allows it to tolerate drought and grow in harsh alpine environments.
Light Requirements
The plant Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby requires full sun to partial shade, meaning it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a sunny window.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (10-27 degrees Celsius). It can tolerate temperatures outside of this range briefly, but extended exposure to extreme temperatures can damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is moist, but not waterlogged. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 8.0. The plant is adaptable to most soil types, but prefers loamy or sandy soil types. It does not do well in heavy clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby is an herb that thrives in dry regions. It is a hardy plant that grows well in well-draining soil. Before planting, loosen the soil by digging in some organic compost. It is best to plant the seeds in the fall or early spring when the soil is still moist from the winter or spring rains.
Watering Needs
Extra care should be taken not to overwater this drought-tolerant plant. Water only when the soil is dry, keeping in mind that it can go for long periods without water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil dries out before the next watering. Water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal infections.
Fertilization
Although Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils, adding some organic compost or a slow-release fertilizer at planting time will give the plant a good start. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote vegetative growth over flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant as it does not get too leggy and maintains a relatively compact form. However, if it becomes too overgrown or unruly, pruning can be done in the late fall or early spring before new growth begins. Trim back any dead or damaged foliage and cut back any excessively long shoots to maintain its shape.
Propagation of Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby
Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby is a wildflower native to the western United States. This plant is a member of the Legume family and is found in arid to semi-arid areas at elevations from 5,000 to 8,500 feet. The plant is well adapted to the hot, dry conditions of its natural habitat and is relatively easy to propagate.
Propagation Methods
One of the most effective methods of propagating Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby is by seed. The seeds of this plant are small and can easily be collected in the fall once the seedpods have matured. To improve the germination rate, the seeds should be scarified and stratified before planting.
Scarification involves nicking or scraping the seed coat to allow water to penetrate the seed and initiate germination. Stratification involves exposing the seed to cool, moist conditions for a period of time to simulate winter conditions. This process can be achieved by placing the seeds in a bag with slightly moistened vermiculite or sand and storing them in a refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks.
Once the seeds have been scarified and stratified, they can be planted in well-drained soil in a sunny location. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur within 2 to 3 weeks.
Another method of propagating Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby is by stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a healthy, mature plant and allowing it to develop roots. This process can be challenging and is not as reliable as seed propagation.
To take a stem cutting, select a stem that is approximately 4 to 6 inches long and has several leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the stem in a well-draining soil mixture and keep it moist. Rooting should occur within 6 to 8 weeks.
Overall, the best way to propagate Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby is by seed. This method is reliable and can produce large quantities of plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby is vulnerable to several diseases that affect its growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that can affect the plant include:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by over-watering or poorly drained soils. To prevent root rot, avoid over-watering and ensure the plant is well-drained.
- Fungal Diseases: Fungal diseases can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. Use fungicides to control the spread of fungal diseases on the plant.
- Bacterial Wilt: This disease affects the plant's vascular system, causing wilt, yellowing, and death. To prevent bacterial wilt, avoid overhead irrigation and maintain proper plant nutrition.
To manage these diseases, maintain proper plant hygiene, providing adequate nutrients, and designing care suitable to the plant's needs. Early detection of diseases and prompt treatment can prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Astragalus vexilliflexus Sheldon var. nubilus Barneby can also be affected by pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that can affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and dry up. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Spider Mites: These pests leave small webs on the leaves and can cause stunted growth and reduced yield. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Leafhoppers: These pests cause yellowing, and distorted leaves and can be controlled by insecticidal soap or neem oil.
To manage pests, choose natural insecticides over chemical sprays as insecticides can harm essential pollinators like bees in the environment. Regularly check for insect infestations and keep the plant surroundings clean to reduce the number of pests.
