Overview
Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins. is a type of plant known for its attractive appearance and ornamental value. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native to North America, particularly in the southwestern regions.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the clasping-leaf brickellbush, clasping-leaf brickellia, or lanceleaf brickellbush. It is also referred to as the “ploughman’s spikenard” due to its traditional use as a medicinal plant.
Appearance
The clasping-leaf brickellbush is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its stems are erect and woody and are covered in grayish-white hairs. The plant’s leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate in shape, and have a clasping base. The leaves are up to 10 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide. The plant produces small, yellowish or whitish flowers that are clustered in dense corymbs. The flowers bloom from August to October.
Uses
The clasping-leaf brickellbush has been traditionally used by Native American tribes in the southwestern United States as a medicinal plant. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antidiarrheal properties. The plant’s leaves and stems have been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including wounds, headaches, fever, and respiratory infections. In addition to its medicinal use, the plant is also valued for its ornamental value and is grown in gardens for its attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
The Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins. plant is native to the United States and typically thrives in habitats with partial or full sun access. Therefore, the plant requires ample light to grow and develop properly. As a general rule of thumb, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure to ensure healthy and sustainable growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm and moderate climate with temperatures that range from 65 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. These moderate temperatures provide an optimal environment for proper growth and development. The plant will become stressed if exposed to temperatures outside of this range, leading to suboptimal growth and development. Hence it is necessary to ensure their appropriate temperature conditions for long-term sustainability.
Soil Requirements
Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins. prefer well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. The fertile soil must be rich in minerals and organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients required for proper growth and development. Additionally, the plant benefits from a soil mix that is aerated and does not retain water to promote healthy root development. Therefore, it is recommended to use a soil mix that is designed explicitly for this plant species or well-draining and aerated soil mix for optimum growth.
Cultivation
Brickellia amplexicaulis var. lanceolata can be cultivated by sowing its seeds directly in the soil or by transplanting well-established seedlings. The best time for sowing is during the spring or early summer because the plant prefers warm weather.
When choosing a spot to cultivate Brickellia amplexicaulis var. lanceolata, make sure it is well-draining and has full sunlight exposure. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including loamy, sandy, and rocky soils.
It is advisable to space the plants about 12-18 inches apart as the species can spread or grow up to 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
Watering needs
Although Brickellia amplexicaulis var. lanceolata has low to moderate water needs, it is recommended that you keep the soil around the plant consistently moist throughout the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week or day, depending on how hot and dry the weather is.
It is essential to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and fungal diseases. Also, avoid wetting the leaves as it may lead to leaf spot disease.
Fertilization
Feeding Brickellia amplexicaulis var. lanceolata with the correct nutrients and fertilizers can promote its growth and increase its health and vigor. It is advisable to fertilize the plant once or twice during the growing season, ideally in spring and late summer.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. You can supplement this with organic compost or manure to add more nutrients to the soil.
Pruning
Pruning Brickellia amplexicaulis var. lanceolata is not necessary as the plant has a neat and compact growth habit. However, if you want to keep the plant tidy, you can remove the dead, damaged, or diseased branches and stems at any time of the year.
You can also trim the plant lightly after flowering to stimulate new growth and prevent any straggly stems from spreading or flopping over. However, avoid cutting back too much foliage, as this may reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize and produce flowers.
Propagation of Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins.
The propagation of Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins. can be done through various methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins. is through seed propagation. This plant produces small seeds that can be easily collected for propagation. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil or in pots. They should be sown at the beginning of the growing season in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination may take up to two weeks. Once the seedlings have developed two to three true leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins. is through cuttings propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from a mature plant and rooting them in a well-draining soil mix. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be four to six inches long and taken from the top of the plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. Rooting may take several weeks to a few months. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Division Propagation
Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins. can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing a mature plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This is best done in the early spring before the plant starts to grow. Dig up the entire plant and use a sharp knife or garden spade to divide the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have a portion of the roots and several growing points. Replant the divisions in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist.
Disease Management for Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins.
Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins. is fairly resistant to diseases. However, fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew can occur under certain environmental conditions. Leaf spot presents as circular lesions on leaves and can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves. Powdery mildew creates a white powdery substance on leaves and can be prevented by providing good air circulation and controlling humidity. Fungicides can also be used if necessary.
Pest Management for Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins.
Several insects can pose a threat to Brickellia amplexicaulis B.L. Robins. var. lanceolata (Gray) B.L. Robins. including spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Spider mites create small yellow spots on leaves and can be managed by spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap. Aphids can deform plant leaves and also secrete a sticky honeydew substance. They can be managed by releasing beneficial insects such as ladybugs or using insecticidal soap. Whiteflies lead to yellow leaves and can be controlled by using yellow sticky traps or insecticidal soap.
