Origin
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. ssp. conjuncta (Jepson) Babcock & Stebbins, commonly known as Western Hawksbeard, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The herbaceous biennial or perennial plant is native to North America, including western United States, British Columbia, and eastern Canada.
Common Names
Western Hawksbeard is known by various common names, including Smooth Hawksbeard, Smooth-leaved Hawksbeard, and Wavy-leaved Hawksbeard.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 4 feet tall and features a single stem that is generally hairless and smooth. The basal leaves are usually hairless or sparsely hairy and lobed or entire. The leaves become smaller as they grow up the stem and are lance-shaped or elliptic. The inflorescence is made up of several pale yellow flowers, and each flower head contains multiple individual flowers. The plant blooms from May through August.
Uses
Western Hawksbeard has historically been used by indigenous tribes as a medicinal herb to treat a variety of ailments, including infections, arthritis, and skin irritations. The plant is also a good source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. Additionally, Western Hawksbeard is often used as a decorative plant in gardens and landscapes because of its attractive yellow flowers and easy-to-grow nature.
Light Requirements
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. ssp. conjuncta requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may not thrive in deep shade conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in areas with cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate frost and snow, but extreme heat can cause stress. Ideal temperatures for growth are between 60°F to 80°F.
Soil Requirements
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. ssp. conjuncta prefers well-draining, sandy loam or clay loam soils that are enriched with organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. However, it does not perform well in compacted or waterlogged soils.
Cultivation Methods
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. ssp. conjuncta (Jepson) Babcock & Stebbins is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay and loamy soil. The plant requires full sunlight to grow and can grow up to 2-3 feet tall. To cultivate this plant, it is best to plant it in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated by dividing the root ball or through seeds.Watering Needs
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. ssp. conjuncta (Jepson) Babcock & Stebbins requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry. During the winter months, reduce watering to once a month.Fertilization
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. ssp. conjuncta (Jepson) Babcock & Stebbins requires a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. It is best to fertilize the plant once every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months as this can lead to weak growth.Pruning
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. ssp. conjuncta (Jepson) Babcock & Stebbins does not require frequent pruning, but it is recommended to remove dead or damaged stems as soon as they appear. Pruning can also be done in the spring to promote new growth and maintain the plant's shape. When pruning, use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid injuring the plant.Propagation of Crepis occidentalis Nutt. ssp. conjuncta (Jepson) Babcock & Stebbins
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. ssp. conjuncta (Jepson) Babcock & Stebbins, commonly known as western hawksbeard, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods including seed propagation, division, and cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate western hawksbeard. The plant produces seeds that can be collected and sown in the spring. The seeds require stratification, which is a process of exposing the seeds to cold temperatures to break their dormancy. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden or in pots.
When sowing the seeds directly in the garden, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil and gently rake the soil to create a fine seedbed. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
If sowing in pots, use a well-draining potting mix and sow the seeds thinly on the surface. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand or vermiculite and water them gently. Place the pots in a warm, bright spot and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Division
Division is a simple method of propagating western hawksbeard. It involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is best done in the spring or fall.
To divide the plant, carefully dig up the plant with a garden fork and gently pull the plant apart into smaller segments. Replant the smaller sections in well-draining soil in a sunny spot and water them well.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagating western hawksbeard. Take cuttings from new growth in the spring or early summer and root them in a well-draining soil mix. This method is best used for plants that have unique characteristics that you want to preserve.
To take cuttings, choose healthy stems and make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist and in a bright location until roots develop.
Disease and Pest Management for Crepis Occidentalis Nutt. Ssp. Conjuncta (Jepson) Babcock & Stebbins
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. ssp. conjuncta (Jepson) Babcock & Stebbins, commonly known as western hawksbeard, is a plant species native to western North America. Although it is generally hardy and disease-resistant, some common diseases and pests may affect its optimal growth and development.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that may affect Crepis occidentalis is rust. Rust appears as spots or pustules on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It is caused by fungal spores and generally affects plants growing in wet or humid conditions. To manage rust, it is essential to remove and destroy any affected plant parts immediately. It is also recommended to apply fungicides, such as copper-based products or sulfur, to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Another common disease that may affect Crepis occidentalis is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. Powdery mildew thrives in high humidity and can spread quickly in crowded and poorly ventilated areas. To manage powdery mildew, it is crucial to prune and remove any affected plant parts immediately. It is also recommended to apply fungicides that contain sulfur or potassium bicarbonate to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Crepis occidentalis is also susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Spider mites typically appear as tiny red or black insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant. They can cause leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage spider mites, it is essential to remove and destroy any affected plant parts immediately. It is also recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to further manage the infestation.
Aphids are another common pest that may affect Crepis occidentalis. These tiny insects may appear in clusters on the undersides of leaves and stems. They can cause distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, it is crucial to remove them manually if possible. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be applied to manage the infestation.
Finally, thrips are tiny insects that may appear as black or brown dots on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can cause plant parts to distort or become discolored. To manage thrips, it is essential to remove and destroy any affected plant parts immediately. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be applied to manage the infestation.
Overall, the management of diseases and pests for Crepis occidentalis involves maintaining good cultural practices, such as providing suitable growing conditions, removing any diseased or infested plant parts, and applying appropriate fungicides and insecticides to manage the infestation effectively.
