Overview
Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hook.) Nutt. var. neglecta (Sharp) Cronq. is a species of North American flowering plant belonging to the Sunflower family, Asteraceae. This plant is also known by the common names Hooker's balsamroot and neglected balsamroot. It is a perennial herb found in the western part of North America.
Description
Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hook.) Nutt. var. neglecta (Sharp) Cronq. grows up to 30-60 cm in height and has a wide range of leaves that can reach up to 50 cm in length. The plants produce multiple stems, each bearing a single yellow flower. The flowers bloom in the late spring and early summer and are similar to daisies, with numerous yellow petals surrounding a central disk. The fruiting structure is an achene that is about 3-6 mm long.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to western North America, where it is commonly found in grasslands, sagebrush, and open woodlands. Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hook.) Nutt. var. neglecta (Sharp) Cronq. can be found in a wide range of habitats, from the low and high deserts to subalpine forests, up to an elevation of 3,500 meters above sea level.
Uses
The Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hook.) Nutt. var. neglecta (Sharp) Cronq. has many traditional uses across cultures. Indigenous tribes in western North America used different parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, such as for treating respiratory ailments, sore throats, and coughs. The roots can also be used as a natural dye, producing a yellow color. Additionally, the plant is known to have a high level of nectar production, which attracts bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial plant for pollinators.
This plant is also commonly used in landscaping due to its long bloom time, ability to grow in a variety of conditions, and its attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
Balsamorhiza hookeri var. neglecta prefers full sun exposure, meaning it is a heliophilic plant. Exposure to direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day is enough for optimal growth. However, partial shading during the hot summer months could benefit the plant as it avoids excessive evapotranspiration and overheating.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature range for Balsamorhiza hookeri var. neglecta is relatively broad. However, it prefers cool to cold environments. The plant can adapt to temperatures as high as 30°C but grows optimally in cooler environments of around 15°C to 25°C. Winters are usually harsh in its habitat, which indicates that the plant is tolerant of freezing conditions down to -10°C.
Soil Requirements
Balsamorhiza hookeri var. neglecta grows best in well-draining, loamy soils. The plant prefers soils with a pH between 5.0 and 7.5. It tolerates nutrient-poor soils since it has an extensive root system that can penetrate hard soils to acquire water and nutrients. The plant is adaptable to different soil types such as sandy soils, gravelly soils, rocky outcrops, and soils with gravelly or cobbly substrates. The plant also prefers soils that are not waterlogged, as they can cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hook.) Nutt. var. neglecta (Sharp) Cronq. is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to western North America and is commonly known as the Hooker's balsamroot or the Hairy balsamroot. Balsamorhiza hookeri is a sun-loving plant and thrives well in areas that have full sunlight.
The cultivation methods for this plant require the soil to be well-draining and fertile to ensure healthy growth. The best soil type for the plant is sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5. Before planting, ensure that the soil is dug deep enough to loosen and aerate the soil mix effectively. The plant reproduces mostly via seeds; hence, the seeding is more common towards the end of the winter season or early spring.
Watering needs
Proper watering is essential for encouraging healthy growth and development of the plant. The plant requires moderate watering to survive, and it's important to avoid overwatering, which may increase the risk of root rot. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist. Watering should be reduced during winter to allow the plant to experience a semi-dormant state.
Fertilization
Balsamorhiza Hookeri (Hook.) Nutt. Var. neglecta (Sharp) Cronq. requires moderate nutrient supply for optimal growth. To achieve this, you can apply a slow-release granular fertilizer to the plant's base before planting, preferably rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Additional fertilizer application should be done during the growing season to supply the necessary nutrients for its healthy growth.
Pruning
Balsamorhiza hookeri does not require much pruning, and it is advisable to allow the plant’s natural growth. Deadheading and pruning should be done to remove dead flowers to encourage more blooms. The plant’s stems can be cut back to the ground level when it is necessary to tidy up the plant, but avoid over cutting, as it may have a negative impact on the plant’s growth and flowering.
Propagation of Balsamorhiza hookeri var. neglecta
Balsamorhiza hookeri var. neglecta can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, root cuttings, and division of basal clumps. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered before choosing the propagation method.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Balsamorhiza hookeri var. neglecta. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and dried, or purchased from seed companies. Fresh seed should be collected in late summer, as the heads begin to dry and before they shatter. Seeds can be stored for several years if kept in a cool, dry place.
Before sowing, the seed should be scarified, or scratched, to allow water and air to penetrate the hard seed coat. This can be done by rubbing the seed with sandpaper or by soaking the seeds in hot (not boiling) water for several hours. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining, sandy soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not saturated, until the seedlings sprout.
Root Cuttings
Root cuttings can be taken from mature plants in early spring or late fall. The roots should be dug up carefully, and cuttings should be taken from the lateral roots. Cuttings should be at least 2 inches long and ¼ inch in diameter. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining medium, such as sand or perlite, and kept moist until they begin to sprout new growth. Once new growth appears, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division of Basal Clumps
Division of basal clumps is a method best suited for mature plants. The plants should be dug up carefully and the clumps separated into individual plants. Each plant should have its own root system. Plants should be replanted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they establish new growth.
Disease Management
Balsamorhiza hookeri var. neglecta is generally resistant to diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from foliar diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew appears as white or gray powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can stunt plant growth and reduce flower production. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid crowding plants, promote air circulation by pruning, and water the plant at the base. Additionally, remove and destroy any infected plant material, and treat the plant with a neem oil or a copper-based fungicide.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot disease appears as circular brown or black spots on the leaves. Over time, the spots can enlarge and merge together, leading to blighted leaves. Avoid overhead irrigation and water the plants at the base to prevent leaf spot. If the disease occurs, remove and destroy any infected plant material and apply a copper-based fungicide.
Rust: Rust appears as small yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaves, which eventually form rusty brown pustules on the undersides of the leaves. Rust can cause leaves to drop and weaken the plant. To prevent rust, avoid watering the foliage, and maintain proper plant spacing and air circulation. Remove and destroy any infected plant material and treat the plant with a fungicide containing a neem oil or copper.
Pest Management
Balsamorhiza hookeri var. neglecta is relatively pest-resistant. However, it may occasionally suffer from pest damage caused by aphids, spider mites, and various insect borers.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap out of leaves, stems, and flowers. They can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and a decline in flower production. To prevent aphids, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to your garden. You may also use insecticidal soap or spray the plant with a solution of water and neem oil.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged pests that suck the sap out of leaves and cause them to turn yellow and stippled. They can be prevented by keeping the plant hydrated and misting the foliage regularly. You can also introduce natural predators like predatory mites or lacewings to control spider mites.
Borers: Various insect borers can damage roots and stems of the plant. They can be prevented by keeping the plants healthy and avoiding spraying pesticides that kill beneficial insects. If an infestation occurs, remove and destroy any infested plant material, and apply an insecticide containing neem oil or spinosad.
