Overview
Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin is a plant that belongs to the family Amaranthaceae and is native to North America.
Common Names
The common names for Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin include Alaska bugseed and Ochotona grass.
Description
The plant generally grows around 30-80 cm in height and is found in meadows, tundra, and generally moist areas with sandy soil. It has elongated leaves that are around 0.5-4 cm in length and 0.2-1.5 cm in width. The plant is monoecious, which means that it has separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The flowers are small and insignificant, greenish to brown, and are generally wind-pollinated. The plant produces small, cylindrical fruits (a type of achene) that are 2-4 mm long and 0.5 mm in diameter.
Uses
Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin is not considered edible, but it is used in traditional medicine by some indigenous peoples in the region. The plant has been used as a cough remedy and for treating diarrhea. It is also used to treat skin ailments.
Growth Conditions for Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin
Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin, commonly known as Alaskan harefoot, is a herbaceous plant that thrives in moist and disturbed areas.
Light Requirements
Alaskan harefoot requires full sun exposure to thrive, making it an ideal plant for open fields, meadows, and other areas with direct sunlight. The plant prefers to grow in areas with minimal shading, as it needs ample light to carry out photosynthesis effectively.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Alaskan harefoot is between 10°C to 25°C. The plant can tolerate frost for a short time, but long periods of extremely cold temperatures can harm its growth. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting Alaskan harefoot in regions with low winter temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Alaskan harefoot grows well in moist and well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clayey soil, as long as the soil is not waterlogged. The plant benefits from regular irrigation to maintain soil moisture levels.
Lastly, Alaskan harefoot is known to colonize disturbed areas and can tolerate a wide range of growth conditions. However, growers should take note of the growth requirements to ensure optimal growth and yield.
Cultivation
Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin is a hardy plant that is generally easy to grow but prefers well-draining soil in full sunlight. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, and it is recommended to start the seeds indoors before transplanting them outdoors in the spring. The plant can also be directly sown in the fall.
The ideal temperature for the cultivation of Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin is between 60-70°F (15-21°C). It is important to ensure that the plant is protected from heavy rain and strong winds, as these can damage its delicate flowers and foliage.
Watering Needs
Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent but deep watering. During the hot summer months, the plant may require additional watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Watering at the base of the plant, rather than from above, will prevent the delicate foliage and flowers from getting wet and possibly developing mold or rot.
Fertilization
Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin does not require excessive amounts of fertilizer. A slow-release granular fertilizer can be added to the soil before planting to give the plant a good start. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can result in excessive foliage growth and a decrease in flower production. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is suitable for this plant.
Pruning
Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin does not require frequent pruning, but deadheading the spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. It is also recommended to prune any dead or damaged foliage to prevent disease or pest infestations. However, pruning should be kept to a minimum, as this plant has a delicate root system and excessive pruning can damage it.
Propagation of Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin
Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin, also known as Alaskan bugseed, is mainly propagated by seeds. The following are various propagation methods that one can implement to ensure successful seed propagation:
Seed stratification
Seeds from Alaskan bugseed plants require stratification to germinate successfully. This process involves chilling the seeds for a few weeks to simulate natural winter conditions. One method involves placing the seeds in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag and keeping them in a refrigerator for about three weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in a seed bed or container.
Direct seeding
Alaskan bugseed seeds can be planted directly into the ground or a suitable container in the fall. They will then go through the natural process of stratification over the winter months. Come spring, the seeds will easily and quickly germinate.
Transplanting
Alaskan bugseed plants can also be propagated through transplanting. This involves removing young plants from a seed bed and transplanting them into larger containers or directly into the ground. The best time for transplanting is in the early spring or fall when the weather is cool. It’s essential to keep the soil moist during the establishment period to help the plant to root correctly.
With proper care, propagation of Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin can be successful, and new plants can thrive and enhance the overall appearance of a garden or landscape.
Disease Management for Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin
The Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin plant is generally resistant to common plant diseases. However, it can still fall victim to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rusts, and gray mold during extended periods of high humidity and moisture. To manage these diseases, ensure proper watering practices that avoid over-watering and promote good air circulation around the plant. Fungal diseases can be managed by applying fungicides, which should be done as a last resort.
Pest Management for Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin
The Corispermum ochotense Ignatov var. alaskanum Mosyakin plant can be affected by pests such as spider mites, aphids, and leaf miners. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap. Aphids can be managed by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings or by using neem oil. Leaf miners can be managed by removing affected leaves and improving overall plant health through proper watering and fertilization practices.
