Overview
Camissonia claviformis var. funerea (Raven) Cronq. is a plant species that has several common names, including black-eyed evening primrose, funereal primrose, and desert evening primrose. This subshrub is native to western North America and grows mainly in sandy soils in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts in the United States.
Description
Camissonia claviformis var. funerea grows up to two feet tall and three feet wide. The plant has small leaves that are lance-shaped and range from one to three inches long. They are reddish to gray-green, and covered with fine, white hairs. This species also has a taproot and a woody stem at the base of the plant. The flowers are showy and have a vibrant yellow color, with a black center that resembles a black eye. These beautiful flowers open in the late afternoons and bloom throughout the night, attracting pollinators such as hawk moths and bumblebees.
Uses
The Native American tribes extensively used Camissonia claviformis for medicinal purposes. They used the aerial parts of the plant to make tea to treat stomach troubles, rheumatism, and headaches. The young leaves of the plant were used to treat wounds as well. Additionally, this plant is now commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping, and it is grown as an annual in colder climates.
Light Requirements
Camissonia claviformis var. funerea typically requires full sun or partial shade to grow well. They can withstand high light intensities and are ideal for hot and arid environments.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate high temperatures and is adapted to withstand hot and arid conditions. Camissonia claviformis var. funerea can grow in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 40°C. They can, however, also survive low temperatures of up to -4°C.
Soil Requirements
Camissonia claviformis var. funerea prefers well-drained, sandy, and loamy soils. They require neutral to alkaline conditions, with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0. The plant can also grow in poor soils with low water-holding capacity. Additionally, these plants do not tolerate water-logged soils and require adequate drainage systems for successful growth.
Cultivation Methods
Camissonia claviformis var. funerea is a perennial plant best cultivated in sunny areas with well-draining soil. It prefers soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. The plant is tolerant of drought, but it cannot withstand poor soil drainage. Therefore, it is best to plant it in raised beds.
Watering Needs
Camissonia claviformis var. funerea requires minimal watering, as it is adapted to low-water environments. Watering the plant once a week during the first year of planting is essential for root development. Once the plant is well established, it can survive without regular watering, making it a perfect plant for water-wise gardens.
Fertilization
The best time to fertilize Camissonia claviformis var. funerea is in the early spring when new growth starts to emerge. A balanced slow-release fertilizer can work well. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Over-fertilization can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage and reduce flower and seed production.
Pruning
Camissonia claviformis var. funerea does not require significant pruning and responds well to light trimming after flowering. If the plant appears leggy or untidy, it can be trimmed back to the ground once a year to stimulate new growth. Deadheading spent blooms is not necessary but helps keep the plant looking neat.
Propagation of Camissonia claviformis (Torr. & Frém.) Raven var. funerea (Raven) Cronq.
Camissonia claviformis var. funerea, commonly known as funeral camissonia, can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. However, growing it from seeds is the most common method for propagation.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Camissonia claviformis var. funerea require a cold stratification period of at least 2-3 months to break dormancy. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in a plastic bag or container with moist soil or vermiculite and placing it in the refrigerator. After the stratification period, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil in late fall or early spring.
The seeds should be sown shallowly, covered with a thin layer of soil, and watered gently. It is essential to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which can take several weeks to a few months.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is possible but less common. Cuttings can be taken in early to mid-summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be 3-6 inches long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
Remove the bottom leaves of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, and place it in a pot with moist soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a propagator to maintain high humidity and keep the soil consistently moist.
The rooting process can take several weeks to a few months. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Camissonia claviformis var. funerea
Camissonia claviformis var. funerea is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that is typically resistant to most diseases and pests. However, there are a few common issues that can affect the plant, and it is important to be aware of these potential problems and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
The most common disease that affects Camissonia claviformis var. funerea is powdery mildew. This fungal disease typically appears as a white or grayish powder on the leaves of the plant. It can cause the leaves to curl and distort and can also reduce the plant's overall growth and vigor.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant's foliage dry. Avoid overhead watering and instead water at the base of the plant. In addition, remove any infected leaves immediately and dispose of them properly to prevent the disease from spreading.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Camissonia claviformis var. funerea is the spider mite. These small insects feed on the plant's sap and can cause significant damage if left untreated. Infested leaves may appear yellow or stippled, and the plant may show signs of stunted growth.
To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. If caught early, simply removing the affected leaves may be enough to control the problem. In severe cases, a miticide may be necessary to eliminate the pests completely.
Another potential pest that can affect Camissonia claviformis var. funerea is the cutworm. These insects feed on the plant's stems and can cause significant damage, often killing the plant outright. Signs of cutworm infestation include wilting or yellowing of the leaves and a noticeable chewing or gouging on the stem.
To manage cutworms, it is important to keep the area around the plant free of debris and weeds, as this can provide a hiding place for adult cutworms. In addition, wrap a protective collar around the base of the plant to prevent cutworms from accessing the stem. If necessary, use an insecticide to eliminate cutworms from the area.
