The Origin of Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca (Hoover) Munz
Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca, also known as the coyote-thistle, is a plant that is native to California, United States. This plant is commonly found in the California Coast Ranges and the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The Common Names of Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca (Hoover) Munz
Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca has several common names, including coyote-thistle, chaparral thistle, and white top.
The Uses of Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca (Hoover) Munz
Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca has been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes. The Pomo tribe used this plant to treat various ailments, such as tuberculosis, flu, and sore throat.
This plant is also a favorite among pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, as it provides nectar and pollen. Additionally, it is used as a ground cover in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive appearance.
The General Appearance of Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca (Hoover) Munz
Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca is a perennial plant that grows up to 6 inches tall. It has a woody stem and small woody branches. The leaves are basal and are shaped like a spoon, with the stem passing through the center of the leaf.
The flowers of Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca are small and white, and are arranged in clusters along the stem. The fruits are small and black, and are covered in spines.
Overall, the coyote-thistle is an attractive and useful plant that has been used for medicinal purposes and as a ground cover. Its small size and white flowers make it a favorite among pollinators, adding to its value in gardens and landscaping.
Growth conditions for Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca:
Light: Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca prefers to grow in full sun exposure. The plant may grow in partial shade as well, but its growth rate may be slower in such conditions.
Temperature: This plant requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca is between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It is not frost-resistant and cannot tolerate temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil: The plant has specific soil requirements. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils that are alkaline or neutral in pH. The plant can also grow in poor soils and can tolerate drought conditions. However, the soil should not have any clay content since it can suffocate the roots of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca (Hoover) Munz, commonly known as wenatchee foothills dwarf spineflower, is a Californian native plant that prefers to grow in well-draining, sandy or rocky soils, especially on slopes and hillsides. It requires full sun and can tolerate occasional drought and windstorms. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, and it is recommended to plant it in early spring.
Watering Needs
Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca (Hoover) Munz has moderate water needs, and it is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Ideally, the plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during winter when the plant becomes dormant. The frequency and the amount of water required may vary depending on the climatic conditions and the soil type.
Fertilization
Wenatchee foothills dwarf spineflower does not require frequent fertilization, and too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow rapidly but become weak and susceptible to diseases. It is recommended to apply a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer once a year in early spring when the plant is actively growing.
Pruning
Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca (Hoover) Munz does not require extensive pruning but can benefit from occasional shaving or trimming to control the growth and improve the appearance. Pruning should be done after the blooming season, preferably in late summer or early fall, to avoid cutting off the buds for the next blooming season. It is also recommended to remove the dead or diseased branches and leaves as soon as they appear to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca (Hoover) Munz
Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca (Hoover) Munz, also known as the rare and endangered Mariposa spineflower, can be propagated through various methods. Here are some of the propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca. The seeds can be collected manually from the plant, which produces small nuts containing seeds that ripen from July to August.
The collected seeds should be sown in a sandy, well-draining soil mix. Sow the seeds in the fall, just before the winter rains begin. Since the seeds need fluctuating temperatures, maintaining a temperature range of 10-30°C in an unheated greenhouse or outdoor cold frame is recommended. The seeds will germinate after the winter rains, and the first leaves will appear in spring.
Root Cuttings
Root cuttings can also be used to propagate Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca. In this method, the plant is dug up and the roots are cut into 5-7 cm lengths. The cuttings are then planted in a well-drained soil mix in the fall, just before the winter rains begin. Cover the cuttings with a layer of sand, and place the pots in an unheated greenhouse or outdoor cold frame to protect the cuttings from frost.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Chorizanthe perfoliata Gray var. opaca is possible through stem, rhizome, or basal cutting. Select cuttings from healthy plants that are free from any disease or pests. The cuttings should be taken in the late fall or winter when the plant is dormant.
To propagate from a stem cutting, select a healthy, 15-20 cm piece of the stem that is free from any disease or pests. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Then, plant it in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the pot in a warm and humid place, protected from direct sunlight. Rooting should begin within four weeks.
To propagate from rhizomes, remove a healthy rhizome from the parent plant in the dormant season. Then, cut it into 3-4 cm sections and treat them with rooting hormone powder before planting them in a well-drained soil mix.
Finally, to propagate from basal cuttings, select a healthy, basal rosette of leaves in the dormant season and cut it off with a sharp, sterilized knife. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the pot in a warm and humid place, protected from direct sunlight. Rooting should begin within four weeks.
Disease Management
Chorizanthe perfoliata var. opaca is known to be susceptible to several diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and rust.
Root rot can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To manage this disease, it is important to reduce watering frequency and improve soil drainage. Pruning infected plant parts and removing them from the growing area can also be effective in controlling the spread of root rot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates a white powdery coating on plant leaves and stems. To prevent or manage this disease, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overcrowding. Pruning the infected parts of the plant can also reduce the severity of the disease. Fungicides can be used for severe infections but should be used as a last resort.
Rust is a fungal disease that creates rust-colored spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. Managing rust involves removing infected plant parts and applying a fungicide if needed. Like with powdery mildew, proper plant spacing and air circulation can help prevent rust from spreading to healthy plants.
Pest Management
Chorizanthe perfoliata var. opaca is also prone to pest infestations, including spider mites and aphids.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that thrive in dry conditions. They can be controlled by frequent misting of the plant to maintain humidity and by applying insecticidal soap. Pruning and disposing of infected plant parts can also be effective in reducing spider mite populations.
Aphids are soft-bodied insects that can damage the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by releasing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings. Insecticidal soap can also be used, but care should be taken not to harm beneficial insects, including pollinators. Additionally, practicing good plant hygiene, such as removing plant debris and dead leaves, can help prevent aphid infestations.
