Overview
Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray ssp. hispidulosa (T.J. Howell ex Rydb.) Babcock & Stebbins is a flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is commonly known as the hispid hawk's-beard.
Origin
The hispid hawk's-beard is a native North American plant that can be found from British Columbia to California, and as far east as the Rocky Mountains in Montana. It is commonly found in open, rocky areas, and dry meadows at elevations between 300-3200 meters.
Appearance
The hispid hawk's-beard is a perennial plant that can grow up to two feet tall. It has a single stem with several branches, and its leaves are lance-shaped and deeply toothed. The flowers are small and yellow, and they are produced in clusters at the end of each branch. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer.
Uses
The hispid hawk's-beard has been used for medicinal purposes by various Native American tribes. It was used to treat stomach ailments and was also used as a poultice for skin conditions. The plant is also consumed by various wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Overall, the hispid hawk's-beard is a beautiful plant with various uses that is well adapted to the rocky and dry terrains of western North America.Light Requirements
Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa is a plant species that thrives in moist soils and partial to full sun exposure. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain healthy growth. In areas with hotter climates, they may need protection from midday sun to prevent scorching and wilting of leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers cool to moderate temperatures. Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-10. They can tolerate temperatures as low as -35 degrees Celsius and as high as 35 degrees Celsius, but they prefer temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. If grown in hotter areas, they require regular watering to maintain soil moisture levels and avoid drying out.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil type for Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa is well-draining, moisture-retaining, and rich in organic matter. They prefer soils that are slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The addition of fertilizer during the growing season can help boost growth and flowering. Though the plant species can tolerate a wide range of soils, it is best to avoid waterlogged or heavy soils as they can cause root rot and hinder growth.
Cultivation
Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa is a hardy herbaceous perennial that can thrive in a range of temperatures and soil types. The plant prefers a well-drained soil mix and plenty of sunlight. It is important to make sure that the soil is not too moist, as this can cause root rot.
Watering needs
While it is essential to keep the soil from becoming too wet, Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa does require regular watering. It's best to water deeply but infrequently to promote healthy root growth. This can be accomplished by watering the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment.
Fertilization
It's important to fertilize Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa regularly to encourage healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Fertilizers should be applied in early spring, and again in late summer or early fall.
Pruning
Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa typically does not need much pruning, as it is a fairly small plant. However, occasional trimming of dead or damaged leaves can help to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant. It's best to prune in the spring after the plant has finished blooming.
Propagation of Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa
Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa, commonly known as the white dandelion or rough hawksbeard, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to North America and is generally found in arid or semi-arid habitats. Propagation of Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa can be done by both sexual and asexual methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa. The plant produces flowers in late spring to summer, which turn into fluffy white seed heads. These seeds can be collected from the plant and stored in a cool, dry place until the next growing season.
Before sowing the seeds, they should be scarified (scratched) to allow for better water absorption. This can be done by using sandpaper or a sharp blade to scratch the surface of the seed. The seeds should then be sown in a well-draining soil mix and lightly covered with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
The seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground once they reach a size that is manageable.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa can be done through division or stem cuttings. Division involves splitting the plant's root clumps and planting them separately. This method is best done in early spring when new growth is starting.
Stem cuttings should be taken from new growth that is approximately 4-5 inches long and has at least one leaf node. Remove any lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place the cuttings in indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist. Rooting should occur within 2-3 weeks, and once rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Crepis runcinata may suffer from various fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust. These diseases can be identified by the presence of white or brown spots on the leaves, distortion or discoloration of the leaves, and powdery growth on the underside of the leaves.
The best approach to manage fungal diseases is to prevent them from occurring. This can be achieved by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Proper sanitation practices such as cleaning up fallen leaves and other plant debris can also help prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
Fungicides can also be used to manage fungal diseases. However, it is important to use the right fungicide for the specific disease and to follow the instructions on the label. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove severely infected plants to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Crepis runcinata may be affected by various pests such as aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. These pests can cause damage to the leaves or stems of the plant, resulting in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, or distortion of plant parts.
One of the most effective ways to manage pests is to prevent them from infesting the plant in the first place. This can be achieved by practicing good garden hygiene, such as removing dead plant materials and weeds around the plant.
Natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can also be introduced into the garden to control pest populations. Additionally, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be used to manage pest infestations. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the label and use these products sparingly to avoid harming beneficial insects.
