Origin
Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp, also known as the "columbia balsamroot," is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is found to be native in the western part of North America, from British Columbia to California and eastward to Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado.
Common names
Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp is commonly known by various names, including "Oregon sunflower," "western balsamroot," and "Hairy balsamroot."
Uses
This plant species has several uses, especially in traditional medicine. The root of Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp is used to treat respiratory infections, sore throats, and colds. Additionally, the roots have been used as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat rheumatism and as a digestive aid. The young leaves can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable, while the seeds can be ground into flour and used to make bread.
General appearance
Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp is a tall and robust plant measuring up to 120 cm in height. It has an extensive root system that can reach up to 3 meters in length. The leaves are large and hairy, measuring up to 30 cm in length, and are grey-green in color. This plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from April to June. The flowers are daisy-like with a diameter of up to 5 cm and are borne at the ends of long, hairy, leafless stems. The seeds formed after flowering are small and dark, measuring about 5 mm in length.
Light Requirements
The Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth and flowering. This herbaceous plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In shaded areas, the plant may grow but will not reach its full potential and it may not produce flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant typically grows in areas with a semiarid continental climate. The ideal temperature range is between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) during the day and approximately 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at night. However, it can also tolerate a temperature range from 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F) depending on the location and season.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining, alkaline soil with a pH ranging from 7.0 to 8.5. Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp requires a nutrient-rich soil that is not overly fertile or high in nitrogen. This plant requires adequate soil moisture, but does not tolerate waterlogged soil, therefore it is crucial to plant this herbaceous plant in well-drained soil.
Cultivation
Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp, aka hairy balsamroot, prefers well-draining soils and full sun exposure. The plant is best grown from seeds, and the seeds should be sown in the soil during early spring. It is recommended to sow the seeds at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch.
Watering needs
The plant Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp requires regular watering during its early growth stages. Once the plant is fully established, it becomes more drought-tolerant, and therefore, requires less watering. It is important to make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can damage or kill the plant.
Fertilization
A moderate application of general-purpose fertilizer during the early spring is sufficient for the plant. Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp does not require frequent fertilization, as over-fertilization can promote excessive foliage growth and hinder flowering. Whenever applying fertilizers, ensure that instructions regarding the amounts are followed to minimize the risk of fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning hairy balsamroot is not necessary as the plant does not require regular shaping. However, removing spent flowers can help promote bushier growth and attract more pollinators to the plant. Additionally, removing any dead or diseased leaves or stems is beneficial for the plant's health.
Propagation of Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp
Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp, also known as the hairy balsamroot, is a native flowering plant that can be found in the western United States. If you want to propagate this plant, you have a few options to choose from.
Propagation by seed
The most common method of propagating Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp is by seed. The seeds are typically collected in the late fall and can be stored over the winter. When planting, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination, which can take up to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by cuttings
Another way to propagate Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp is through stem cuttings. This method is a bit more challenging than using seeds, but it can be done successfully. Take cuttings from healthy, established plants in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the tips of the stems. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until roots have formed, which can take several weeks.
Propagation by division
An additional way to propagate Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp is by division. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Carefully dig up the plant and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good root system. Transplant the sections into a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they become established.
Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to ensure that the plant has adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to thrive. With proper care, Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp can be a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Disease and Pest Management for Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp
Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp, also known as Hairy Balsamroot, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to North America, particularly in the western region. While it is known for its ornamental value and medicinal properties, it is not invincible to diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves and stems, causing a white or gray powdery coating on the plant. To manage powdery mildew, prune the infected parts of the plant, keep the area around the plant clean, and water the plant in the morning to avoid excess moisture. Neem oil or a sulfur-based fungicide can also be applied to the plant.
2. Rust: This is another fungal disease that causes yellow or orange spots on the leaves and stems, and can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage rust, remove and dispose of the infected parts of the plant, water the plant in the morning, and apply a fungicide spray containing copper. It is also essential to keep the area around the plant dry and clean.
Pests
1. Aphids: These are common pests that attack the leaves, flowers, and stems of Balsamorhiza hirsuta. They can cause stunted growth, defoliation, and the transmission of viruses. To manage aphids, manually remove them from the plant, spray water on the plant to reduce the insect population, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs. In severe cases, insecticidal soaps or neem oil can also be applied.
2. Slugs and Snails: These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on leaves and stems. To manage slugs and snails, handpick them from the plant, create a barrier of diatomaceous earth around the plant, and apply iron phosphate-based slug bait in the evening. It is also important to keep the area around the plant free of debris and vegetation.
By being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, you can effectively manage the diseases and pests that might affect Balsamorhiza hirsuta Nutt. var. neglecta Sharp, and ensure that it thrives in your garden or landscape.
