Origin
Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britt. var. bigelovii (Gray) Hall, also known as Bigelow's rabbitbrush, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to western North America, particularly in the regions of the Great Basin, Colorado Plateau, and Intermountain West in the United States.
Common Names
Bigelow's rabbitbrush is known by several common names, including Bigelow's rubber rabbitbrush, blackbrush, gray rabbitbrush, rabbitbush, and chamisa. The name "rabbitbrush" comes from the plant's use as a food source for rabbits, while "chamisa" is a Spanish term that means "broom-like plant."
Uses
Bigelow's rabbitbrush has several practical uses. Native Americans would use the plant's leaves to make tea to treat various ailments, such as stomach issues, sore throats, and fevers. The tough branches of the plant were also used to make baskets and brooms. The plant is also an important source of nectar and pollen for honeybees and other pollinators.
General Appearance
Bigelow's rabbitbrush is a shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Its branches are woody and slender with small leaves that are no more than 0.5 inch long. The plant has small yellow flowers that bloom in late summer or fall, which create a distinctive yellow hue in the landscape. The plant's fruits are small, dry, and light brown in color.
Growth Conditions for Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. bigelovii
Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. bigelovii, commonly known as Bigelow's rabbitbrush, is a semi-arid shrub that is native to western North America. It is commonly found in arid regions, where it grows in dry, sandy soils. The following are some of the typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
Bigelow's rabbitbrush thrives in areas where it is exposed to full sun. It is adapted to thrive in areas with high solar radiation and does not tolerate shade. To promote its growth and development, it is essential to provide it with adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Bigelow's rabbitbrush is adapted to the semi-arid regions, where temperatures fluctuate widely. These shrubs may experience cold winters with temperatures dropping to -18°C or hot summers with temperatures soaring to 35°C. They can survive in extreme cold but are susceptible to frost damage. However, they do require hot temperatures during the growing season to promote growth, and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Bigelow's rabbitbrush grows well in dry to semi-dry, well-drained soils. Sandy soils are preferred over heavy, clay soils. The plant is susceptible to root rot in soils that hold more water, so it is essential to ensure adequate drainage. It does not tolerate soils with high salt content, so irrigation water and soil should not be excessively salted. To improve soil fertility and waterholding capacity, incorporate organic matter such as compost into the soil before planting.
Cultivation Methods
Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britt. var. bigelovii (Gray) Hall can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or division of the root balls. The ideal time to plant is during the late spring or early fall. The plant prefers a well-drained soil with medium texture and a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
The plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established. However, during the initial growth phase, regular watering is essential to help the plant develop a deep root system. Water the plant deeply once a week during the first growing season. The frequency can be reduced to once or twice a month during subsequent seasons.
Fertilization
Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britt. var. bigelovii (Gray) Hall is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much fertilization. However, if the plant seems undernourished, use a slow-release fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply during early spring before new growth appears, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
The plant requires minimal pruning unless it becomes overly leggy or unbalanced. Prune the plant sparingly in early spring to remove any damaged, diseased, or dead branches. Also, remove any lanky, weak, or crossing branches that may hinder the plant's growth. Avoid excessive pruning as the plant's flowers form on the previous year's growth.
Propagation Methods for Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britt. var. bigelovii (Gray) Hall
Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britt. var. bigelovii (Gray) Hall, commonly known as Bigelow's rabbitbrush or rubber rabbitbrush, can be propagated through different methods. The plant is a tough and adaptable species that can grow in a wide range of soil types and moisture conditions, making it an ideal plant for commercial and residential landscaping, habitat restoration, and erosion control purposes.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Bigelow's rabbitbrush is through seeds. The plant typically produces large amounts of viable seeds that can be collected from mature plants during the fall season. Seed collection should be done when the seed heads have turned from green to tan and the seeds have become hard and dry. The collected seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place and used for propagation during the next growing season. The seeds can be sown directly into prepared soil in the spring or started in containers indoors before the last frost, then transplanted to the field.
Cutting Propagation
Bigelow's rabbitbrush can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy shoots in late spring or early summer. Softwood cuttings are preferred, and a rooting hormone can be used to improve success rates. The cuttings should be rooted in a well-draining medium and kept moist until they have developed roots. Once the roots have formed, the new plants can be transplanted to an appropriate location.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagating Bigelow's rabbitbrush is through division, which involves separating mature plants into smaller sections. Division should be done in the spring or fall, with each section having a good root system and several stems. The sections can be planted directly into prepared soil or started in containers before being transplanted. This method is best used on older plants that have outgrown their location or need to be rejuvenated.
Disease Management
Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. bigelovii is known to be highly resistant to most diseases. However, it may still suffer from a few fungal and bacterial diseases under certain conditions.
Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that can infect the roots of the plant. It can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, and eventual death of the plant. If detected early, infected plants can be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the fungus to other plants. To prevent the occurrence of the disease, it is recommended to plant the species in well-drained soil.
Phytophthora root rot is another fungal disease that can cause root rot in the plant. It can lead to the yellowing of the leaves, damping-off of seedlings, and wilting of the plant. The use of fungicides and proper soil drainage can prevent the occurrence of the disease.
Bacterial blight is a disease that can lead to the formation of cankers in the plant. It causes wilting and browning of the leaves. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spreading of the disease. The use of copper fungicides can help prevent the occurrence of the disease.
Pest Management
Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. bigelovii is known to be relatively pest-resistant. However, under certain conditions, the plant may still attract a few insects and pests.
Aphids are a common insect pest that can suck the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. The use of insecticidal soaps and oils can effectively control the aphid population.
Spider mites can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap of the leaves. They can cause the formation of yellow spots on the leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to drop. The use of miticides can help to control the population of spider mites. It is also recommended to maintain a high level of humidity around the plant.
Caterpillars are known to feed on the leaves of Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. bigelovii. Caterpillars can cause significant damage to the leaves, causing them to wilt and fall off the plant. Handpicking the caterpillars and the use of Bacillus thuringiensis can effectively control their population.
Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of diseases or pests, and taking appropriate measures to prevent or control their population can help ensure the optimal growth and health of Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. bigelovii.
