Overview
Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake, commonly known as Yellow Paper Daisy or Sticky Golden Aster, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to North America, particularly found in the western United States.
Appearance
The plant stands about 10 to 40 inches tall and it has a sticky, glandular appearance due to the presence of dense resinous hairs on leaves and stems. The leaves are narrow and linear and can grow up to 3 inches long. It has yellow daisy-like flowers with 18 to 24 petals that are about 1 inch wide. The flowers bloom from July to October.
Uses
The Yellow Paper Daisy or Sticky Golden Aster has a variety of uses. It is commonly used for medicinal purposes and in traditional practices by certain Native American tribes for curing ailments such as headaches, fever, and stomach pain. The plant is also used in landscaping for its vibrant flowers and foliage, particularly in rock gardens. It is a drought-tolerant plant and requires low maintenance, making it an ideal choice for gardens in arid regions.
Light Requirements
Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake requires full sunlight to grow properly. It is a plant that requires a lot of light that not many other plants or trees can create too much shade that might harm the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake grows ideally at warm temperatures within the range of 60°F to 80°F. Cold temperatures below 50°F can harm and slow down the plant growth. During winters, the plant should be protected from frost because it cannot survive in temperatures below 25°F.
Soil Requirements
Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake grows well in soil conditions that are well-draining and slightly acidic. The soil should not be compacted because the plant roots require air to breathe. It prefers soil with a pH level between 5 and 6.5 ideally.
Cultivation of Chrysopsis Viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. Cinerascens Blake
The Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake is a beautiful, flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the western United States and grows well in dry soils. To cultivate this plant, you will need to follow certain guidelines.
Watering Needs
Chrysopsis viscida requires moderate watering, and it is essential to maintain an optimum watering schedule. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged as excess water can lead to root rot. Always water when the soil feels dry to the touch. It is also wise to reduce watering during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Since Chrysopsis viscida is adapted to low-nutrient and dry soils, it does not require much fertilizer. However, if you want to enhance growth and flowering, you can use a slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season and make sure not to over-fertilize as it can lead to decreased performance.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of growing Chrysopsis viscida. It is best to prune during the dormant season or in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead branches to promote healthy growth. You can also trim the tips to enhance bushiness. However, avoid cutting off more than one-third of the plant at any given time.
Propagation Methods for Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake
Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake, commonly known as Hairy Goldenaster, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through several methods, including:
1. Seed Propagation:
Seed propagation is the most common propagation method for Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake. The seeds can be sown in spring or fall directly into the soil, at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch. The soil should be moist and well-drained. Germination can take up to 21 days, and the seedlings will emerge in early summer. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
2. Division:
Division is another propagation method for Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake, and it entails dividing the plant’s root ball into several sections. This method is best done in the spring, just as new shoots are starting to emerge. The divided sections should be planted immediately in prepared soil, watered well, and kept in a shaded area until they become established.
3. Stem Cuttings:
Propagation of Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake through stem cuttings can be done in summer when the plant is in its active growing phase. Cuttings should be taken from the basal shoot, and they should be around 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cuttings, dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone, and plant them in a rooting medium. Keep the cuttings moist and in indirect sunlight until roots and new growth appear.
Disease Management
Like any other plant, Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake is also susceptible to various diseases and infections. The most common diseases that affect this plant include rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Rust is a fungal disease that appears as yellow or orange spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, infected parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed. Additionally, fungicides can be applied to protect the plant from further infection.
Leaf spot is another common disease that causes black spots on the leaves of the plant. This disease can easily spread to the entire plant, leading to defoliation. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to control and prevent further infection.
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that forms a white powdery substance on the surface of the leaves. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
Pest Management
In addition to being attacked by diseases, Chrysopsis viscida (Gray) Greene ssp. cinerascens Blake can be infested by pests. Pests that commonly attack this plant include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to become distorted and stunted. To manage this pest, a strong stream of water can be used to dislodge the insects from the plant. Insecticidal soap can also be applied to control and prevent further infestation.
Spider mites are small, red pests that thrive in hot and dry conditions. They feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage this pest, the plant should be watered regularly to increase humidity levels. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can also be used to prevent further infestation.
Whiteflies are tiny, white insects that feed on the plant's sap. They can be identified by the white powdery substance they leave behind on the leaves. To manage this pest, the plant can be sprayed with insecticides or treated with insecticidal soap and neem oil.
