Origin
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins, commonly known as the dwarf western hawksbeard, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to North America, specifically found in high alpine and subalpine regions in western Canada and the United States.
Common Names
Dwarf western hawksbeard is the most commonly used name for Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins. It is also known by other common names such as alpine hawksbeard and mountain hawksbeard.
Uses
Although the dwarf western hawksbeard is not commonly used for medicinal purposes, some Native American tribes used it for various ailments. The Blackfoot tribe brewed tea from the roots to help with coughs and sore throats.
Aside from its medicinal properties, the dwarf western hawksbeard is also an attractive plant for gardens and landscapes. It adds a pop of yellow color to any environment and can thrive in rock gardens or containers.
General Appearance
The dwarf western hawksbeard typically grows to a height of 2 to 5 inches and has thin stems with a cluster of yellow flowers at the end. The plant has small, spoon-shaped leaves with jagged edges. The flowers themselves have a diameter of about 1 inch and have bright yellow petals with a brownish yellow center. In bloom, the plant is a stunning addition to any landscape or garden, and its small size makes it a good option for gardens with limited space.
Light Requirements
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins grows best in full sun or partial shade. In areas with hot summers, it can benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is native to mountainous regions of North America, and thus able to withstand a range of temperatures. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7 and prefers cooler temperatures. During the growing season, temperatures in the range of 15°C to 25°C are optimal. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as -28°C during dormancy in winter.
Soil Requirements
C. occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila prefers well-draining soils and is often found in rocky or sandy soils. The pH level of the soil should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a range of 6.0 to 7.0. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soils but may struggle in extremely acidic soils. Soil types range from loam, sandy loam, and clay loam. It can grow on nutrient-poor soils, though the addition of organic matter like compost or aged manure can help enhance fertility.
Cultivation Methods
To cultivate Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins, begin by selecting a suitable planting location. The plant thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas with a well-draining soil. You should plant it when its seeds are ripe, which is usually in late summer. It's best to prepare the site by loosening the soil and mixing in some compost before planting.Watering Needs
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins requires regular watering, particularly during its growing season. Although the plant can tolerate drought conditions for short periods, it's essential to water it deeply and regularly.Fertilization
You can fertilize Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. You should apply the fertilizer in the spring, just as the plant is starting to grow. If the plant is actively growing, you can also apply a liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks.Pruning
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins doesn't require much pruning. However, you can trim off any damaged or diseased leaves to keep the plant healthy and promote new growth. You can also deadhead the plant after flowering to encourage more blooms. If the plant grows too tall, you can trim it back by up to half its height in the spring.Propagation Methods
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins, commonly known as western hawksbeard, can be propagated using various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
If you plan to propagate the plant through seeds, you can either collect the seeds from the mature plant or purchase them from a reliable source. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden bed or in seed trays. For better results, it is recommended to start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted outdoors.
Division Propagation
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins can also be propagated through division. Divide the plant in early spring or late fall, and be sure to use a sharp, clean knife or garden shears to minimize damage. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Cuttings Propagation
You can propagate Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins through cuttings as well. Take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from a healthy plant, and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag or dome to increase humidity.
Disease Management for Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins
Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins is a native plant of North America which is generally resistant to many diseases. However, some fungi and viruses can affect the plant, causing significant damage to its growth and development. The most common diseases that might affect the plant are:
- Leaf spots: This disease is caused by fungal infection and is characterized by circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves. To control it, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes yellowish-orange pustules on the leaves. The infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Virus: Different viruses can affect C. occidentalis, causing a range of symptoms such as stunting, leaf deformation, and yellowing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases, so prevention is the best management option by ensuring the plant is kept healthy and avoiding contact with infected plants.
Pest Management for Crepis occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins
C. occidentalis Nutt. var. pumila (Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins is relatively resistant to pests. However, some insects might cause damage to the plant, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. The most common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Aphids: Aphids can cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by spraying with a strong jet of water
- Spider mites: Spider mites can cause damage to the leaves by feeding on the sap. They can be managed using insecticidal soap or by removing and destroying heavily infested leaves.
- Beetles: Beetles can cause severe damage to the leaves and fruits, leading to reduced yield. They can be managed by the use of insecticides or by physically removing them from the plant.
To avoid or minimize pest issues, it is essential to maintain plant health by regular weeding, watering, and fertilizing. Additionally, maintaining plant diversity in the garden can attract natural predators that feed on pests, which can help manage pest populations.
