Coreopsis Pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern Var. Inanis Sherff

Origin and Common Names

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. This plant is native to the United States and can typically be found in states such as Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It is commonly referred to as Inanis Thick-Leaved Tickseed.

General Appearance

The Inanis Thick-Leaved Tickseed is a small, herbaceous perennial. It typically grows to be about 30-40 centimeters in height and has a unique growth habit where it forms clumps from the base. The leaves of this plant are thick and can range from green to gray-green in color. The plant produces clusters of small, yellow flowers which bloom from late spring to early fall.

Uses

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff is primarily used as an ornamental plant in landscaping and gardening. Due to its small size and unique growth habit, it is often used as a border plant or in rock gardens. It is considered to be low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH levels, making it a versatile choice for various growing conditions. In addition to its ornamental value, some Native American tribes have historically used extracts from the plant for medicinal purposes. The roots were boiled and ingested to treat various ailments such as fever and skin irritations. However, it is important to note that using plants for medicinal purposes should be done with caution and under the guidance of a medical professional.

Light Requirements

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. This plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. If grown in low light conditions, this plant may become leggy, and blooming may decrease.

Temperature Requirements

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff is a plant that is adapted to grow in temperate climates. It can thrive in a wide range of temperatures, including temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C). However, it prefers temperatures between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C).

Soil Requirements

The soil requirements for Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff are relatively flexible. This plant can grow in most soil types, as long as there is good drainage. However, it thrives best in a well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. A good potting mix should contain organic matter like peat moss, compost, or perlite. A pH of 5.5 to 7.0 is recommended for optimum growth.

Cultivation Methods

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff is a hardy perennial plant that requires full sun to thrive. It grows well in well-drained sandy soil and loam soil. It is adaptable to different soil types provided they are well drained. The plant requires an adequate supply of water during its early development stages to encourage root growth. Planting can be done in early spring or fall and is best done through direct sowing or transplanting.

Watering Needs

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff requires moderate amounts of water. During the hot summer months, the plant should be watered regularly, at least twice a week. Underwatering the plant can be harmful, leading to stunted growth and bloom. Overwatering, on the other hand, can cause root rot and yellowing of the leaves. It is essential to avoid watering the leaves as this can lead to fungal infections.

Fertilization

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff requires moderate levels of fertilization. Fertilizer can be added during the fall, providing the nutrients that the plant will need during the coming growth season. Alternatively, you can topdress with compost or manure. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be added to the soil immediately after planting. Over-fertilizing the plant can lead to overgrowth of foliage and a lack of blooms.

Pruning

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff requires pruning to encourage growth and maintain its shape. Pruning should be done in late winter when the plant is dormant. Deadheading should be done regularly throughout the bloom season, removing spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. The plant may become leggy with age, and this can be remedied through cutting back to encourage fresh growth.

Propagation of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff or Thickleaf Coreopsis is a perennial plant that produces yellow flowers and blooms from late summer to early fall. Propagation of this plant can be done through two methods, namely, by seed and by cuttings.

Propagation by Seed

Propagation by seed is the easiest way to propagate Coreopsis pachyloma. The best time to start seeds is in early spring or fall. Here are the steps:

1. Collect the seeds when the flower heads have dried and turned brown.
2. Store the seeds in a dry, cool place until planting.
3. Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds.
4. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them down.
5. Water the soil lightly.
6. Keep the soil moist and the seedlings should emerge within 3-4 weeks.

Propagation by Cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is also possible for Coreopsis pachyloma. Here are the steps:

1. Select healthy stems from the plant.
2. Cut a 6-inch section of the stem just below a leaf node.
3. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the stem.
4. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
5. Place the stem in a pot filled with a mixture of peat moss and perlite.
6. Water the soil to keep it moist until roots develop.
7. Transplant the new plant into the garden once it has grown roots and leaves.

Disease and Pest Management for Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff is a relatively hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them.

Common Diseases

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff is generally not prone to serious diseases. However, the plant may be affected by fungal and bacterial infections, especially if the plant is grown in excessively wet soil or humid conditions. In such cases, the plant may suffer from leaf spots, stem cankers, and root rot.

To manage these diseases:

• Ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil.
• Water the plant at the base and avoid getting the leaves and stems wet.
• Remove any infected leaves and stems and dispose of them properly.
• Apply a fungicide or bactericide to the plant as directed by the manufacturer.

Common Pests

Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff is generally resistant to pests. However, the plant may be vulnerable to aphids, spider mites, and thrips infestations.

To manage these pests:

• Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock off the pests
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant as directed by the manufacturer.
• Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings into the garden to help control the pests.
• Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and treat them early.

With proper care and management, Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern var. inanis Sherff can thrive and produce beautiful blooms for many years.