Overview
Brickellia eupatorioides (L.) Shinners var. chlorolepis (Woot. & Standl.) B.L. Turner is a plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family, commonly known as False Boneset or Green-Lipped Brickellbush.
Origin
The plant is native to North America and can be found throughout the eastern and central regions of the United States and Mexico.
General Appearance
The False Boneset plant can grow up to 2 meters in height. It has an erect stem with a rigid texture, branching into smaller stems near the top. The leaves vary in size, ranging from 1 to 3 inches in length, with a serrated edge and rough, hairy texture. The plant produces small, white to pink flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. The plant's seeds are contained in achene fruit, small dry seeds with no hairs.
Uses
Traditionally, the leaves and roots of the False Boneset plant were used by indigenous groups to treat a range of illnesses, including urinary disorders, fever, and respiratory ailments. The plant is also a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Today, the plant is primarily used for ornamental purposes in home gardens and landscaping due to its attractive foliage and blooms. It can also be used in natural restorations for its pollinator habitat values.
Light Requirements
Brickellia eupatorioides (L.) Shinners var. chlorolepis (Woot. & Standl.) B.L. Turner typically requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant thrives in areas with high light intensity and does not do well in shaded or partially shaded areas.
Temperature
The plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures. The ideal temperature for Brickellia eupatorioides (L.) Shinners var. chlorolepis (Woot. & Standl.) B.L. Turner is between 20°C to 32°C. The minimum temperature for growth is around 10°C, and the maximum temperature is around 38°C. It is important to note that the plant is not frost tolerant and cannot withstand freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils and does well in sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for Brickellia eupatorioides (L.) Shinners var. chlorolepis (Woot. & Standl.) B.L. Turner is between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is drought tolerant and can survive in dry soils, but it performs best in soils with moderate moisture levels.
Cultivation Methods
Brickellia eupatorioides (L.) Shinners var. chlorolepis (Woot. & Standl.) B.L. Turner is a relatively easy plant to grow, making it an ideal choice for beginners. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, depending on your preference.
If grown in a container, make sure to use well-draining soil and a suitable-sized pot. If planted in the ground, ensure that the soil is well-draining and mixed with compost to improve soil aeration and drainage. The plant thrives in full sun and partial shade, so ensure that it gets several hours of sunlight per day.
Watering Needs
This plant is low-maintenance and doesn’t require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather, and allow the soil to dry out moderately before watering it again. It is important to note that overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Regular checking of soil moisture levels is helpful.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for this plant, but it can benefit from an annual application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during springtime. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients to grow healthy and vibrant foliage.
Pruning
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring when the foliage starts to fade. Cut back the stems to shape the plant and promote bushier growth. It is essential to ensure the tools used are sharp and sanitized to avoid transmitting pathogens to the plant.
Additionally, regularly remove any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage or stems to keep the plant healthy. If aphids or other pests are found on the plant, it is best to remove or treat them immediately to prevent infestation.
Propagation of Brickellia eupatorioides (L.) Shinners var. chlorolepis (Woot. & Standl.) B.L. Turner
Brickellia eupatorioides (L.) Shinners var. chlorolepis (Woot. & Standl.) B.L. Turner can be propagated using several methods, including:
Seed propagation
Propagation of Brickellia eupatorioides (L.) Shinners var. chlorolepis (Woot. & Standl.) B.L. Turner can be successfully done with seeds. Seeds should be collected from the plant when they are ripe, which is generally in the fall. The seeds should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. Plant the seeds directly in the ground or in containers. Planting time is best done in the spring. Seeds take approximately 14 to 28 days to germinate. They can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors in small pots.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation of Brickellia eupatorioides (L.) Shinners var. chlorolepis (Woot. & Standl.) B.L. Turner can also be done through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from the new growth, and each cutting should be approximately 4 inches long. Use a rooting hormone with the cuttings to encourage root growth. Cuttings should be placed in well-draining soil, and the soil should be kept moist until roots form. It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the cuttings to root.
Division propagation
Propagation of Brickellia eupatorioides (L.) Shinners var. chlorolepis (Woot. & Standl.) B.L. Turner can also be done through division. This propagation method is generally done in the early spring before new growth appears. Dig up the entire plant and gently separate it into smaller pieces. Each piece should have a well-developed root system. Replant the divided sections in a well-draining soil mix, and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Brickellia eupatorioides var. chlorolepis
Brickellia eupatorioides var. chlorolepis, commonly known as False Boneset, is a herbaceous plant native to North America. While it is generally resilient to pests and diseases, there are a few common issues that can arise.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect False Boneset is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to avoid overhead watering and give the plant adequate space for ventilation. If powdery mildew does appear, it can be treated with a fungicide labeled for use on ornamental plants.
Another disease that can affect False Boneset is root rot. This is typically caused by overwatering and can lead to the plant's death. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is in well-draining soil and avoid watering too frequently.
Common Pests
The most common pest that can affect False Boneset is aphids. These small insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause distortions in the leaves and stems. To prevent aphids, keep an eye out for them and regularly spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If necessary, use an insecticide labeled for use on ornamental plants.
Caterpillars can also be a problem for False Boneset, particularly the larvae of the Salt Marsh Caterpillar. These pests can consume large amounts of foliage and cause significant damage to the plant. To prevent caterpillars, it is important to monitor the plant and manually remove any that are found. If caterpillars are a persistent problem, an insecticide labeled for use on ornamental plants may be necessary.
Overall, maintaining good cultural practices and promptly addressing any pest or disease issues can help keep Brickellia eupatorioides var. chlorolepis healthy and thriving.
