Overview of Cleome pinnata Pursh
Cleome pinnata Pursh, also known as Rocky Mountain beeplant, stinking clover, and skunkweed, is a flowering plant belonging to the Capparaceae family. This native North American herbaceous plant is commonly found in the Western United States, growing mainly in prairies, open woods, and rocky slopes.
General Appearance
The Cleome pinnata Pursh can grow up to three feet tall with a spread of up to two feet. Its leaves are serrated, lance-shaped, and often grow up to six inches long. The plant typically has a single stem and the flowers grow in tight cylindrical clusters at the top of the stem, ranging in color from pale pink to purple.
Uses of Cleome pinnata Pursh
The Cleome pinnata Pursh is a valuable wild plant with multiple uses. It was traditionally used by indigenous people for medicinal purposes, especially as a treatment for stomach and lung ailments. Additionally, the plant plays a vital role in pollinator conservation as it attracts bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects.
The seeds of Cleome pinnata Pursh are edible and have been used as a grain source by Native Americans. The young leaves and shoots are also edible and can be used as a cooked vegetable. The plant can be used in landscaping as a drought-tolerant and deer-resistant ornamental plant or as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion.
Overall, Cleome pinnata Pursh is a versatile plant with many ecological, medicinal, and culinary applications. Its striking appearance and beneficial properties make it an important and valuable asset to the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Light Requirements
The Cleome pinnata Pursh, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Bee Plant, prefers to grow in areas with bright and direct sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is necessary for healthy growth and blooming.
Temperature Requirements
The Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is a hardy annual that thrives in warm temperatures between 60 to 85°F (15 to 29°C), which makes it a suitable plant for the late spring, summer and early fall. It is quite tolerant to drought and can grow in semi-arid areas.
Soil Requirements
The Cleome pinnata Pursh is adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-draining soils that have neutral to slightly acidic pH levels of around 6.0 to 7.0. It doesn't tolerate waterlogging and prefers soil that is relatively dry. Mixing in some sand or perlite can help improve soil structure and promote good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome pinnata Pursh, also known as Rocky Mountain Bee Plant, is a hardy annual that thrives in a well-drained location with full sun exposure. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and spread up to 2 feet wide. It is tolerant of drought and prefers soils with a neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
To cultivate Cleome pinnata Pursh, prepare the soil by tilling to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, removing any weeds, and adding compost to enhance soil quality. Seeds should then be sown directly in the soil after the last frost date in your area, spaced approximately 12 inches apart and covered with a thin layer of soil.
Watering Needs
Cleome pinnata Pursh requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. Adequate moisture ensures strong, healthy growth and encourages flowering. The plant can tolerate dry soil but will benefit from regular watering during extended dry spells. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
To keep Cleome pinnata Pursh healthy and vibrant, it's best to fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced granular fertilizer. Before adding any fertilizer, read the product label carefully for instructions on application rates. Overfertilizing can cause excessive foliage growth with few flowers, so it's essential to avoid applying excess nutrients.
Pruning
Cleome pinnata Pursh does not require pruning, but pinching back the tips of the plant can encourage bushy growth and more flowers. Removing spent blooms can also promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. It is best to use pruning shears or scissors to remove the damaged or dead plant parts.
Propagation of Cleome pinnata Pursh
Cleome pinnata Pursh, also known as Rocky Mountain beeplant, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It produces vibrant pink or purplish flowers and is commonly found growing in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands.
Propagation Methods
Cleome pinnata Pursh can be propagated through seeds or division. Here are the methods for each:
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in pots. Here are the steps for sowing seeds in pots:
- Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix.
- Moisten the soil with water.
- Sow the seeds on the soil surface and cover lightly with a thin layer of soil.
- Keep the soil moist and warm (around 70°F).
- After germination, thin the seedlings so that there is only one seedling per pot.
- Transplant the seedlings in the ground or into larger pots once they have grown a few sets of leaves and the risk of frost has passed.
Propagation by Division
Division involves separating the roots of a mature plant and replanting them separately. Here are the steps for dividing Cleome pinnata Pursh:
- Dig up the entire plant with a garden fork.
- Shake off excess soil to expose the roots.
- Gently tease the roots apart using your hands or a gardening tool.
- Separate the plant into sections, making sure that each section has roots and leaves.
- Transplant each section into a pot or directly into the ground.
- Water the plants thoroughly.
Propagation through seeds or division is an easy and straightforward process for Cleome pinnata Pursh. With proper care, the plants can grow and thrive in a variety of conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome pinnata Pursh
Cleome pinnata Pursh is a resilient and easy-to-maintain plant. However, certain pests and diseases may affect the health and growth of the plant. Here are the most common diseases and pests that might impact this plant:
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This is one of the most common diseases that affect Cleome pinnata Pursh. The symptoms include the appearance of white powdery patches on the leaves, which can lead to leaf curling and wilting. To manage powdery mildew, apply a fungicide to the affected plants, and increase air circulation around the plant.
Leaf Spot: This disease can cause the plant’s leaves to develop brown or black spots. The spots can merge together, leading to the yellowing and death of the infected leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy the infected leaves, and avoid overhead watering to reduce moisture on the plant’s foliage.
Pests
Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of plants. Aphids can cause yellowing and curling of leaves, stunted plant growth, and deformation of flowers. To manage aphids, apply neem oil or insecticidal soaps to the affected plant parts, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs to control the aphid population.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests spin webs on the undersides of leaves and suck the plant juices. This can lead to discoloration, wilting, and death of the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant regularly with water to increase humidity and remove the webs and infected leaves. Also, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or mite predators to control the spider mite population.
Regular monitoring and careful maintenance is the key to a healthy and vigorous plant. It is essential to inspect the Cleome pinnata Pursh regularly for any signs of pest infestations or diseases to prevent them from spreading to other plants.
