Description
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Commonly known as sticky goldenbush or sticky rabbitbrush, it is native to western North America, including parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
General Appearance
The plant is characterized by its woody stems, which can grow up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are narrow, elongated, and green, and they alternate along the stems. The flowers of the sticky goldenbush are arranged in clusters, each containing numerous small flower heads that are yellow to yellow-orange in color. The plant blooms from late summer to early fall.
Uses
Native American tribes along the Pacific coast traditionally used Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders. for a variety of medicinal purposes, such as treating digestive and respiratory ailments. The plant's leaves and flowers were also used to make dyes. Nowadays, the plant is mostly used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive appearance and ability to grow in harsh environments.
Typical Growth Conditions for Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris is a perennial shrub native to western North America, commonly known as yellow rabbitbrush. This plant is adapted to grow in a variety of different environmental conditions, but there are some specific growth conditions that are most optimal for this species.
Light Requirements
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris is a plant that is well adapted to growing in areas that receive full sun. In fact, this plant is considered a sun-loving species and typically thrives in high levels of direct sunlight. Therefore, it is essential to plant this species in a location where it is exposed to full sun for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Yellow rabbitbrush is a plant that is well adapted to growing in hot and dry environments. The typical temperature range for this species is between 20-30 degrees Celsius. However, it is important to note that this species is also cold tolerant and can grow in areas with temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, making it a great species for areas with freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris prefers well-drained, sandy soils, which allow the plant roots to spread and air to circulate. This species also thrives well in soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 8.0. This species is also tolerant of salt and can grow in soils with a high salt content, making it an ideal plant for coastal areas with salty soils.
Overall, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris is an incredibly tough plant and can thrive well in a variety of different growing conditions. However, for optimal growth, it is important to provide this species with ideal light, temperature, and soil conditions to support its growth and survival.
Cultivation methods for Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders.
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders., commonly known as yellow rabbitbrush, is a drought-tolerant shrub that can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. This plant can be grown in various types of soil, such as loamy, sandy, or rocky soil. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5.
Yellow rabbitbrush thrives in areas with full sun exposure. Therefore, it should be planted in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. During the first year of growth, it is necessary to water the plant 1-2 times a week until it establishes its roots. After the establishment period, the watering frequency can be reduced to once a week or even less frequently.
Watering needs of Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders.
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders. is a drought-tolerant plant; therefore, it requires minimal watering. However, during the establishment period, it needs to be watered on a regular basis to ensure that it develops strong roots. After the establishment period, it can survive on natural rainfall and occasional watering during extended dry periods. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders.
Yellow rabbitbrush does not require frequent fertilization. However, if the soil lacks nutrients or shows signs of nutrient deficiency, it can be fertilized with a slow-release granular fertilizer during the growing season. The recommended fertilizer dosage should be applied according to package instructions. Organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, can also be used to provide additional nutrients to the soil.
Pruning of Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders.
Regular pruning is not necessary for Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders. However, if the plant becomes too leggy or if there are dead or diseased branches, they should be pruned off. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, i.e., late winter or early spring, before the new growth appears. It is also essential to avoid over-pruning, as it can cause stress to the plant, leading to stunted growth or reduced blooming.
Propagation of Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris, commonly known as Yellow Rabbitbrush, is a native plant of North America and belongs to the Asteraceae family. This shrub is found in arid regions and is well suited for landscaping in low water use gardens. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
Propagation of Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris can be done by seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature flower heads during late summer and fall. These seeds can be sown immediately, or stored in a cool, dry place for later use. The seeds need to be scarified with sandpaper and soaked in water for about 24 hours before planting. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil and water regularly.
Cuttings
Propagation of Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris through cuttings is another successful method. Softwood cuttings should be taken during the early summer when new growth is visible. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be at least 4 inches long. Remove all the leaves except the top two and dip the base of the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting them in a well-drained mix of perlite and peat moss. Keep the cuttings in a warm and humid environment and water them regularly.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris. It is best done in the spring or fall. Dig up the mature plant and gently divide it into smaller sections. Make sure each section has at least one healthy stem and root system. Plant the sections in well-drained soil, water them, and mulch the soil around the plant to retain moisture.
Disease Management
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris is relatively resistant to most diseases. However, it can still be affected by some fungal and bacterial diseases. The following are the common diseases that can affect this plant:
- Canker: This disease is characterized by sunken, brownish lesions on stems and branches. The affected parts may eventually become girdled, leading to dieback. To manage canker, prune out the affected branches and sanitize pruning tools with alcohol or bleach solution after each cut.
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease causes circular, brownish spots on leaves. To manage fungal leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, manage irrigation carefully to avoid overhead watering and overcrowding of plants, and apply fungicide if necessary.
- Bacterial wilt: This disease can cause sudden wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage bacterial wilt, remove and destroy the infected plant immediately and avoid planting Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus in the same location for at least two years.
Pest Management
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. axillaris is tolerant to most pests. However, some pests can still become a problem when their populations increase. The following are the common pests that can affect this plant:
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and well-fertilized, prune out infected parts, and apply insecticidal soap or oil if necessary.
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause curled and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, prune out heavily-infested parts, and apply insecticidal soap or oil if necessary.
- Caterpillars: These can cause severe defoliation of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick and destroy them, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if necessary, and keep the plant healthy and well-fed to reduce stress.
