Origin and Common Names
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt, also known as Pursh's hedgehog bindweed, is a plant species native to North America, specifically found in the west from British Columbia to California. The common name is derived from its unique spiky fruit, which looks like a hedgehog.
General Appearance
Pursh's hedgehog bindweed is a low-growing perennial herb that has slender, trailing stems that reach up to 20 cm long. The leaves are shaped like arrowheads and measure 1-3 cm long. The flowers are funnel-shaped, white or pink in color, and measure 3-4 cm in diameter. The plant blooms from June to August. The fruit is a distinctive, spiky capsule that contains 4 seeds.
Uses
The plant has been used medicinally by Native American tribes and early European settlers to treat various ailments such as inflammation, coughs, and fevers. Some indigenous people also used it to treat wounds and skin irritations. The roots of the plant were sometimes used to make a tea. However, Pursh's hedgehog bindweed has not been widely studied for its medicinal properties, and caution should be exercised before using it for any medicinal purposes.
Pursh's hedgehog bindweed is mostly used as an ornamental plant. It is often used as a groundcover or a trailing plant in rock gardens, borders, and container plantings. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Light Requirements
The Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. It can grow in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also tolerate some shade, making it a versatile plant to grow.
Soil Requirements
These plants prefer well-draining soils but can tolerate a wide range of soil types, as long as they drain well. The ideal soil for Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients to promote better growth.
Temperature Requirements
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt grows well in cool to warm temperatures. The best temperature range for the growth of this plant is between 10°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 0°C can damage the plant, and it may not survive.
Cultivation Methods
The Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt is a hardy plant that is easy to grow. It thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter and can grow in different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. This plant prefers full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade. It is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and borders, and it also makes an excellent groundcover.
Watering Needs
The Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt needs regular watering to thrive, especially during the growing season. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot or fungal infections. The best practice is to water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. During the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilization
The Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt does not require heavy fertilization, but it benefits from occasional feeding during the growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, applying it at the beginning of the growing season and repeating after six weeks. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion or compost tea, applying them every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
The Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt requires minimal pruning, but it benefits from light trimming once a year to keep its shape and promote bushier growth. Prune the plant in late fall or early spring, removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. You can also trim back any overgrown stems to keep the plant contained or encourage new growth.
Propagation of Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana is a perennial plant that belongs to the morning glory family. Propagation of Calystegia spithamaea can be achieved through different methods such as seeds and vegetative propagation.
Propagation through seeds
The most common method of propagating Calystegia spithamaea is through seed germination. The seeds are collected from the ripe fruit, which is a capsule containing several seeds. To promote germination, the seeds need to be scarified to reduce their hard coat. This can be achieved by soaking the seeds in hot water for a few minutes or by scratching the seeds' coat with sandpaper or a file. After scarification, the seeds should be sown in well-prepared soil, kept moist and warm, and protected from direct sunlight until germination occurs.
Propagation through division
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Calystegia spithamaea. This can be achieved through division, taking a section of the plant and planting it in a new area. The division can be done in the autumn or the spring, and it involves digging up the plant and dividing the rhizomes or roots. After division, the sections should be replanted at their new location, and the soil should be kept moist until the new plant establishes itself.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation of Calystegia spithamaea through cuttings is also an option, but it is less common. To propagate through cuttings, a stem is cut from the plant and trimmed down to include only a few leaves. The cutting is then planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots start to develop. Propagation through cuttings is best done in the spring or early summer.
Disease Management for Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt, commonly known as Pursh's small bindweed, is generally not susceptible to many plant diseases. However, under certain environmental conditions, some fungal, viral or bacterial infections can occur.
One common fungal disease that can affect this plant is leaf spot. It appears as circular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy the infected leaves. It is also advisable to avoid watering the plant from above, as moisture encourages the growth of fungi. Using a copper-based fungicide spray on the foliage can help prevent the disease from spreading.
Another fungal disease that can affect Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt is root rot. This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi, and the symptoms usually include wilting, yellowing, and death of leaves. To manage this disease, it is crucial to prevent over-watering and provide good drainage. Infected soil should be replaced with healthy soil, and the use of fungicides can also be helpful.
Finally, viruses can also affect Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt, but there is no effective management for viral infections. If the plant is infected, it should be removed to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management for Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt
Several pests can affect Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. purshiana (Wherry) Brummitt, including aphids, spider mites, and vine weevils.
Aphids can be managed by using insecticidal soap. Applying the solution to the leaves and stems can prevent these pests from causing any significant damage. It is also advisable to remove any infected plant parts to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Spider mites can be managed by applying a miticide. It is crucial that the product be approved for use on plants, and the directions on the label should be followed carefully. Additionally, maintaining good plant hygiene, including removing any infected plant parts can go a long way in preventing infestations.
Vine weevils can be managed using insecticides. These pests are nocturnal, and they often hide in the soil during the day, making the application more effective when done in the evening. Additionally, using sticky traps can also help manage these pests. It is important to remove any infected plant parts to prevent infestations from spreading.
