Origin
Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover is a native plant in western North America, primarily found in California, Nevada, and Oregon. It belongs to the family Asparagaceae, which includes several ornamental and medicinal plants.
Common Names
Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover is commonly known as large-footed brodiaea or golden brodiaea. Its name is derived from its large and showy flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.
Uses
Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover has a history of use by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes such as treating skin disorders and stomach problems. However, it has not been extensively studied for its medicinal properties.
The plant is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its colorful and attractive flowers. It is often used in garden borders, meadow plantings, and naturalized areas. Its flowers also make great cut flowers for floral arrangements.
General Appearance
Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover is a bulbous perennial plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. Its leaves are narrow and grass-like, growing up to 30 cm long. The plant produces large, round-shaped flowers that can be up to 6 cm in diameter. The flowers are typically golden-yellow or orange with dark brown to purple markings, blooming in clusters of 2-4 atop long, leafless stems.
The plant's bulbs are small, egg-shaped and can be up to 2 cm in diameter. They have an outer skin that is papery and dry, and the inside is fleshy, containing stored nutrients for the plant.
Light Requirements
Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover grows best in a cool environment. The plant can tolerate some heat, but the ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is loamy and rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6 to 7.5. The plant can also grow in sandy or rocky soil but may require additional nutrients in these conditions.
Cultivation of Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover
Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover is a bulbous perennial plant, which requires well-draining soil and moderate watering. It grows well under full sun or partial shade. You can cultivate this plant either in containers or in your garden.
For container cultivation, choose a pot with proper drainage holes. Add a well-draining potting mix, and plant the bulbs at a depth of 3-4 inches. Keep the pot in a sunny location and water regularly to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
For garden cultivation, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sun. Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting the bulbs at a depth of 3-4 inches. Space the bulbs 2-3 inches apart to allow sufficient room for growth.
Watering Needs of Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover
Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover requires moderate watering. Water the plant regularly during the growing season to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the dormant season to prevent the bulbs from rotting.
You should water the plant deeply once a week, especially during periods of drought. It's important to ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover
To promote healthy growth, you should fertilize Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover during the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season to provide the plant with essential nutrients.
Avoid over-fertilization, as this can cause the plant to grow excessively and produce fewer flowers. You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer.
Pruning Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover
Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover doesn't require pruning, as it's a low-maintenance plant. After the plant has finished flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally. This allows the bulb to store energy for the following season.
You can deadhead the flowers to prevent the plant from producing seeds and focus its energy on the production of bulbs. However, this isn't necessary and won't harm the plant if you choose not to.
Propagation of Brodiaea coronaria var. macropoda
Brodiaea coronaria var. macropoda can be propagated by several methods including seed propagation, bulb offsets and bulb division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Brodiaea coronaria var. macropoda can be sown directly in well-drained soil during fall. The seeds will germinate in the following spring. To increase the germination rate, it is recommended that the seeds be cold-stratified for 2 to 4 weeks before sowing. The seedlings should be thinned and kept moist but not waterlogged until maturity. It should be noted that seed-grown plants may not necessarily be genetically identical to the parent plant.
Bulb Offsets Propagation
Bulb offsets can be separated from the parent bulb during the dormant season in summer or early fall. This method is useful for propagating large quantities of genetically identical plants. These offsets should then be planted in well-drained soil at the same depth as the parent bulb. It is advisable to mulch lightly to maintain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
Bulb Division Propagation
Brodiaea coronaria var. macropoda bulbs can be divided during the dormant season to produce multiple plants from a single, mature bulb. The bulbs should be dug up and the offsets separated gently while being careful not to damage the parent bulb. The offsets should then be planted in well-drained soil at the same depth as the parent bulb. It is advisable to mulch lightly to maintain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. var. macropoda (Torr.) Hoover. One common disease is the Brodiaea Rust (Puccinia brodiaeae). It causes bright yellow or orange spots on the leaves, which eventually turn into blackish-brown pustules. This can lead to defoliation and reduced growth of the plant. Rust can be managed by removing infected leaves and avoiding overcrowding of plants. Fungicides can also be used to control severe infections.
Another disease that can affect Brodiaea coronaria is the Bulb Rot (Fusarium spp). This disease causes discolored and mushy roots or bulbs. It can be spread through infected soil or contaminated tools. To manage bulb rot, infected plants should be removed immediately, and the soil should be treated with fungicides.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that can affect Brodiaea coronaria is the Bulb Mite (Rhizoglyphus robini). These mites feed on the bulbs and roots of the plant, causing stunted growth and reduced flowering. To manage bulb mites, infested bulbs should be removed and destroyed. The use of predatory mites can also help control the population of these pests. Additionally, avoiding over-watering and improving soil drainage can help reduce the incidence of bulb mites.
Another pest that can affect Brodiaea coronaria is the Thrips (Thysanoptera). These insects feed on the foliage and flowers of the plant, causing distortion and discoloration of the affected areas. To manage thrips, infested plants should be removed, and the soil should be treated with insecticides. The use of yellow or blue sticky traps can also help control the population of thrips.
