Origin
Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense (Rydb.) Hultén, also known as Iowa Golden Saxifrage, is a perennial plant found in North America. It is native to Iowa, Missouri, and southern Canada, although it has been introduced in other parts of North America and Europe.
Common Names
Aside from Iowa Golden Saxifrage, Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense is also referred to as the Alternate-leaf Golden Saxifrage and Strangeleaf Golden Saxifrage.
Uses
Historically, Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense was used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as skin problems, headaches, and stomach issues. However, it is no longer widely used in medicine today. Instead, Iowa Golden Saxifrage is mostly grown for its ornamental value due to its vibrant yellow-green foliage.
General Appearance
Iowa Golden Saxifrage is a small plant that grows up to 4-10 cm tall. Its stems are thin, hairless, and elongated, bearing somewhat fleshy, alternate leaves that are arranged on the stem in a spiral pattern. The leaves are oval-shaped and glossy, measuring about 0.5-1 cm long and 0.2-0.5 cm wide. The leaves are deep green or yellow-green in color and have a toothed margin. The plant produces small, yellowish-green flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers bloom in early spring to summer and are followed by small, dark fruits that contain tiny seeds.
Growth Conditions for Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense (Rydb.) Hultén
Light Requirements: Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense (Rydb.) Hultén typically grows in shaded or partly shaded locations. It requires a moderate amount of light, but too much direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant. In natural habitats, it is often found growing along stream banks or in moist, shaded areas under trees.
Temperature Requirements: This plant thrives in cool, moist environments and prefers temperatures that range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate occasional temperature fluctuations but does not do well in extreme heat or drought conditions.
Soil Requirements: Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense (Rydb.) Hultén prefers moist, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant benefits from occasional fertilization. It can tolerate heavy clay soils, but poorly drained soil can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods of Chrysosplenium Alternifolium L. ssp. Iowense (Rydb.) Hultén
Chrysosplenium Alternifolium L. ssp. Iowense (Rydb.) Hultén prefers to grow in wet soils with partially shaded spots. It is an excellent choice for woodland gardens and areas that remain moist throughout the year. While planting, prepare the soil by mixing organic matter to boost soil fertility and moisture retention capacity.
The ideal time to plant Chrysosplenium Alternifolium L. ssp. Iowense (Rydb.) Hultén is during the early spring season when the temperatures and soil moisture increase. Dig a hole and plant the root ball to the same depth it was planted in the original pot.
Watering Needs of Chrysosplenium Alternifolium L. ssp. Iowense (Rydb.) Hultén
Chrysosplenium Alternifolium L. ssp. Iowense (Rydb.) Hultén is a water-loving plant and requires moist soil to thrive. Water the plant two to three times a week during the growing season to maintain the soil's moisture level. Ensure the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged, as it can lead to root rot. Mulching the soil around the plant helps to retain moisture for a prolonged period.
Fertilization of Chrysosplenium Alternifolium L. ssp. Iowense (Rydb.) Hultén
Chrysosplenium Alternifolium L. ssp. Iowense (Rydb.) Hultén does not require heavy fertilization, but adding compost or well-aged manure in the planting hole can provide nutrients enriched soil for the plant. Additionally, applying a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season can provide extra nutrients for its growth.
Pruning of Chrysosplenium Alternifolium L. ssp. Iowense (Rydb.) Hultén
Chrysosplenium Alternifolium L. ssp. Iowense (Rydb.) Hultén is a low-growing herbaceous plant and does not require regular pruning. However, trimming the plant's dead and damaged foliage helps maintain its overall appearance and encourage new growth. Pruning should be done once in a year during the dormant season when the plant is less active.
Propagation of Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense (Rydb.) Hultén
Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense (Rydb.) Hultén is commonly propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The seed propagation of Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense (Rydb.) Hultén is not commonly used due to its difficult germination process. However, if you intend to propagate through seeds, it is best to sow them in well-draining soil during early spring. Keep the soil consistently moist, and make sure to cover the seedlings with a layer of organic compost to maintain moisture levels.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings are an easy way to propagate Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense (Rydb.) Hultén. Take stem cuttings from the parent plant in the early spring season and ensure that you have a minimum of two nodes. Ensure that your cuttings are approximately two inches long and have a few leaves. Dip the lower end of the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Ensure that your soil stays moist throughout and keep the plant in a shaded location for a few weeks.
Propagation by Division
Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense (Rydb.) Hultén can be easily propagated through division. Divide the mature plant every three years during the dormant period at the start of the fall or early spring when growth starts. Slice through the root ball with a sharp and sterile knife, ensuring that each divided section has a portion of the crown, stem, and roots. Plant the divided plant sections at their new location handling the roots gently with the soil covering their base.
Disease Management for Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense
Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense, commonly known as the golden-saxifrage, is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf Spot: characterized by the appearance of circular or angular brown spots on the leaves. It is caused by fungal infection.
- Root Rot: mainly caused by Phytophthora fungus, can cause the roots of the plant to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain good plant hygiene by removing infected plant debris, leaves, and branches from the vicinity of the plant. Apply copper-based fungicides to protect plants from fungal infections. Use sterilized soil and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot in plants.
Pest Management for Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense
Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. ssp. iowense usually doesn't face significant pest problems, but the following pests may attack the plant:
- Aphids: Aphids suck the sap of plants and cause yellowing and distortion of leaves.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests feed on the leaves and stems, leaving behind holes in the foliage.
One way to manage these pests is by manually picking them off the plant. Encourage the presence of natural predators like ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and lacewings. Use copper tape around the base of plants or apply iron phosphate-based slug bait to deter slugs and snails.
