Overview
Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck, commonly known as San Joaquin woollythreads, is a shrubby perennial plant that belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).
Origin and Distribution
San Joaquin woollythreads is native to California's Central Valley and foothills where it grows in dry, rocky soils and rocky outcrops in the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada. It also occurs in other western states such as Oregon and Nevada.
Appearance
This plant forms a sub-shrub that grows up to 18 inches tall with a woody base. The plant produces yellow flower heads that are surrounded by hairy phyllaries and bloom from July to October. The dense woolly foliage is highly glandular and the leaves are linear to narrowly oblanceolate, measuring 1-3 cm long and 1-2 mm wide.
Uses
San Joaquin woollythreads has some medicinal properties and has been and used for various purposes by the Yokut Native American tribe, who traditionally used it to treat various ailments and injuries such as burns and cuts. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, native plant landscapes, and habitat restoration projects.
Growth Conditions for Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck
Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck, commonly known as the San Joaquin adobe sunburst, is a small annual plant that typically grows from one to three feet tall. It is native to California, specifically in the San Joaquin Valley.
Light Requirements
The San Joaquin adobe sunburst flourishes in full sunlight. It commonly grows in areas that receive direct sunlight for at least six hours each day. This plant cannot grow well in shaded areas. Therefore, it is essential to plant it in a location with sufficient light.
Temperature Requirements
The San Joaquin adobe sunburst prefers warm environments. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C). However, it is important to note that the plant can only flower when the temperatures range from 55° to 65°F(13°C to 18°C).
Soil Requirements
The San Joaquin adobe sunburst thrives in sandy or loamy soils. It is highly adaptable and can grow in soils that have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which may lead to root rot. This plant is also drought-resistant and can survive on minimal water.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that the soil is not overly watered as it may cause more harm to the plant.
Cultivation
Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck is native to California and can be grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. It is tolerant to drought and does not require high soil fertility. The plant prefers full sun exposure and moderate temperatures.
Watering Needs
When young, Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck requires regular watering to establish its root system. Once established, the plant can tolerate extended periods of drought. However, it is recommended to water it occasionally during prolonged dry spells to maintain its vigor and blooming capacity.
Fertilization
Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck does not require frequent fertilization. However, if you choose to fertilize, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, applied at the beginning of the growing season. High-nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided as they can promote vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck is not a plant that requires pruning. Pruning should be limited to the removal of dead or damaged branches. This helps maintain the plant's shape, encourages a better airflow, and prevents the spread of possible diseases.
Propagation Methods for Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck
The propagation of Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck can be done through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation. The plant typically grows in the wild and can self-seed, but propagation through cutting or division can also be successful.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is an easy and common way to propagate Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck. The seeds should be collected from fully mature plants in the fall and winter. The collected seeds should be kept in dry, cool and dark storage areas until spring. In late winter or early spring, the seeds should be sown in moist, well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 1-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown 3-4 true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers or out into the garden if outdoor temperatures have warmed up.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method used to propagate Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck. This propagation method is typically done through clipping or dividing the plant, which can be done either in the spring or late fall. During clipping, approximately 2-3 inch stem sections from mature plants are cut just above a leaf node. These stem cuttings are then planted into a pot containing moist, well-drained soil. During division, mature plants are dug out and their roots are separated into individual sections. The newly separated sections are then planted into pots containing moist, well-drained soil. Both methods will require care for several weeks until roots or new growth starts to develop.
Disease and Pest Management for Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck
Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck is a beautiful plant with white flowers that add an aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes. However, like other plants, it is prone to attacks by pests and diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Below are some of the common pests and diseases that may attack Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck and how to manage them.
Diseases
1. Powdery mildew:
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects many plant species, including Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck. The disease is characterized by the appearance of powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The spots may spread fast, leading to leaf yellowing and curling. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove the affected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide containing potassium bicarbonate or neem oil.
2. Leaf spot:
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck. The disease is characterized by the appearance of circular spots on the plant's leaves that may turn brown or black with time. The disease can be controlled by removing the affected parts of the plant and applying a fungicide containing copper or neem oil.
Pests
1. Aphids:
Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck. The insects can cause stunting, yellowing, and distortion of the plant's leaves. To control aphids, it is advisable to remove them manually or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider mites:
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that spin webs on Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck's leaves and stems. The pests can cause the color of the leaves to fade, leading to a stunted growth of the plant. To control spider mites, it is advisable to spray the plant with water or neem oil or release predatory insects such as ladybugs that feed on the pests.
3. Caterpillars:
Caterpillars are insects that feed on the leaves of Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck. Large numbers of caterpillars can cause significant damage to the plant, affecting its growth and productivity. To control caterpillars, it is recommended to remove them manually or apply a suitable pesticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
In conclusion, Calycadenia hispida (Greene) Greene ssp. reducta Keck is prone to attacks by various pests and diseases, which can significantly affect its growth and productivity. Effective management of these pests and diseases is necessary to ensure that the plant thrives optimally.
