Origin
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as the Pacific marsh marigold, is a perennial plant species that is native to western North America. It can be found growing in wetlands, meadows, and streamsides in Alaska, British Columbia, and the northwestern United States.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia include Pacific marsh marigold, blunt-leaved marsh marigold, broad-leaf marsh marigold, and yellow marsh marigold.
Uses
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia is a beautiful plant that is often grown for its ornamental value. It is commonly used in wetland restoration projects and is also planted in rain gardens. The plant is an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Historically, Native Americans used the plant for medicinal purposes. The leaves were used to treat coughs and colds, while the roots were used to treat skin conditions and digestive problems.
General Appearance
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 60 cm tall. It has a fibrous root system and produces bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers that bloom from April to June. The plant has broad, dark green, glossy leaves that are circular or heart-shaped and can reach up to 14 cm in diameter. The leaves are attached to the stem with long, slender petioles. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soils.
Light Requirements
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc. typically grows in moist environments such as wetlands, marshes, and along streambanks. As a result, it prefers partially shady areas with filtered sunlight instead of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is generally cold-hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. During the growing season, it prefers temperatures ranging from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not tolerant of extreme heat and may suffer if exposed to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc. thrives in moist soils that are rich in organic matter. It is adapted to grow in soils that are poorly drained or have a high water table, making it an ideal plant for marshy environments. A pH range of 5.5-7.5 is suitable for this plant. Additionally, it prefers soils that are loamy and slightly acidic.
Cultivation of Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc.
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc. is a plant that prefers moist soil and partial to full sun exposure. It can grow in zones 1-7 and is tolerant of alpine conditions and high altitudes. To cultivate this plant, it is important to consider its preferences and plan accordingly.
Watering Needs
As a plant that prefers moist soil, Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc. requires regular watering. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent root rot. During drought periods, it is important to provide additional watering to ensure that the plant does not dry out completely.
Fertilization
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend, can promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilizer should be applied as directed on the packaging and should be watered in thoroughly after application.
Pruning
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc. does not require extensive pruning. However, it can benefit from deadheading spent flowers to promote continued blooming. If the plant becomes overly large, it can be cut back in the fall after it has finished blooming. This will help to keep the plant compact and tidy for the following growing season.
Propagation of Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc.
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc., also known as marsh marigold, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, division, and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of marsh marigold can be sown directly in the ground during the fall or early spring as soon as the soil becomes workable. The seeds require stratification, which can be achieved by storing them in a moist and cool place for several weeks before sowing. The seeds should be planted about 1/8 inch deep and spaced 2-3 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 2-4 weeks.
Propagation through division
The best time to divide marsh marigold is during the fall or early spring. The plant should be lifted carefully and the clump divided into smaller sections, each with a few buds and roots. The clumps can then be replanted immediately in well-draining and fertile soil. The soil should be kept moist until the plant establishes.
Propagation through cuttings
Marsh marigold can also be propagated from stem cuttings during the early summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants and should be about 4-6 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil and kept moist. The pot should be placed in a shaded area until the cuttings establish roots, which usually takes around 3-4 weeks. Once the roots are established, the plants can be transplanted to the desired location.
Disease Management for Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc.
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc. is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it can still be affected by fungal and bacterial diseases.
Avoiding overwatering and keeping the foliage dry can help prevent the plant from getting fungal diseases such as leaf spot, mildew, and rust. If the plant is suffering from a fungal infection, it is best to remove the affected leaves and destroy them to prevent the disease from spreading.
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial blight can also affect the plant. These are often spread through water, so it is important to avoid overhead watering. If the plant is infected with a bacterial disease, it is best to remove the affected plant parts and destroy them. Disinfecting any cutting tools used with a solution of 70% alcohol can also help prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management for Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc.
Caltha biflora DC. var. rotundifolia (Huth) C.L. Hitchc. can be affected by a range of pests, including aphids, spider mites, snails, and slugs.
Aphids can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using an insecticidal soap. Spider mites can be controlled by regularly misting the plant with water to increase humidity. Snails and slugs can be deterred with copper tape around the base of the plant or using slug pellets.
It is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pest infestations to catch them early and prevent them from spreading. Removing any dead or damaged plant matter from around the plant can also help reduce the risk of pest infestations.
