Origin
Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq. is a plant that is native to the western regions of North America, especially California and Oregon.
Common Names
Crepis runcinata var. andersonii is commonly known as Anderson's hawksbeard or Anderson's crepis.
General Appearance
Anderson's hawksbeard is a herbaceous perennial plant that has a basal rosette of leaves with distinctively toothed margins. The stem can grow up to one meter high and has alternate leaves with smaller, more linear lobes. The stem is also covered with long, rough hairs that give the plant a fuzzy appearance. The flowering head is yellow in color and composed of multiple ray flowers. The fruit is a brownish achene with a pappus of bristles that aids in dispersal by wind.
Uses
Anderson's hawksbeard has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, primarily as a treatment for respiratory illnesses. It has also been used as a food source for indigenous peoples. In addition, it is a popular ornamental plant in gardens due to its bright yellow flowers and interesting foliage.
Growth Conditions for Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq.
Light: Crepis runcinata var. andersonii requires full sunlight for optimal growth and flowering. This plant is adapted to open, sun-soaked habitats such as grasslands, meadows, and rocky slopes that receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Partial shade may be tolerated, but the plant will generally be smaller, less robust, and less floriferous than in full sun.
Temperature: Crepis runcinata var. andersonii is native to the western United States, where it occurs at elevations ranging from 1000 to 3500 meters. As such, it is adapted to a range of temperatures and can tolerate both warm and cool conditions. However, it is best suited to moderate temperatures, with a preferred range of 15-25°C. High temperatures (>30°C) can cause wilting, dehydration, and reduced growth, while low temperatures (<5°C) can result in frost damage or death.
Soil: Crepis runcinata var. andersonii prefers well-draining soils that are relatively dry and nutrient-poor. It is often found in soils that are sandy, gravelly, or rocky, and that have a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. The plant is tolerant of some drought and can survive in soils with low water availability, but it will grow better and produce more flowers if watered regularly during dry periods. Fertilization is generally not necessary, and excessive soil nutrients can actually harm the plants by promoting vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq. is a perennial plant, which means that it will continue to come back year after year. It is best to grow this plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This helps to ensure that the roots of the plant have enough air and water to grow correctly. The plant needs to be planted in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
This plant grows well in USDA zones 5 to 9, and it is highly drought-tolerant. Therefore, it does not require heavy watering and can survive in dry conditions. However, it requires occasional watering to keep up with its growth requirements and prevent drying up completely.
Watering Needs
As mentioned earlier, Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq. is a drought-tolerant plant. However, it still requires watering whenever the soil is dry or at least once a week. Regular watering helps to keep the soil moist, which promotes growth and development of the plant.
The watering requirements depend on the growth stages of the plant. During the first few weeks after planting, the plant requires more water to help establish its roots. After that, the plant needs lesser water since it can draw water from the moist soil around it.
Fertilization
It is important to fertilize Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq. during the growing season, which is usually spring to summer. Apply a slow-release fertilizer that is suitable for herbaceous perennials and mix it into the soil before planting.
Alternatively, apply a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Fertilize the plant sparingly to avoid overfertilization that could be detrimental to the plant's growth and health.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq. since it is a low-maintenance plant. However, you can prune the plant to help maintain its shape and height. Prune the plant during early spring before new growth begins.
Remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems since they can harbor pests and diseases. You can also remove any leggy or unattractive stems to promote bushier and healthier growth of the plant.
Propagation of Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq.
Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq., commonly known as western dandelion, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America. This plant is commonly used in restorations, beautification projects, and natural landscaping. Propagation of this plant is best done using seeds or root cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the easiest and most commonly used method of propagating Crepis runcinata var. andersonii. The seeds should be collected in late summer and early fall when the fruits are dry and ready to shatter. The seeds should be kept in cool and dry conditions until they are ready to be planted in the spring. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil or in pots or trays. They should be covered lightly with soil, watered, and kept moist until they germinate.
Seeds of Crepis runcinata var. andersonii have a high germination rate and should be sown in early spring when the soil temperature is around 18 °C. The seeds will germinate in 10 to 20 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted after they develop their true leaves.
Propagation by Root Cuttings
Propagation by root cuttings is also possible for Crepis runcinata var. andersonii, but it is a bit more complicated. Root cuttings should be taken from the plant in late fall or winter when the plant has gone dormant. The cuttings should be taken from the crown of the plant and should be 2 to 3 inches long. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. The cuttings can be covered with plastic to maintain humidity and to prevent drying.
The cuttings should start producing new shoots in late winter or early spring, and they can be transplanted to their final location after they have developed a strong root system.
Overall, both propagation methods can be successful for Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq. The choice of propagation method will depend on the grower's preference and the available resources.
Disease Management
Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq. is susceptible to several diseases that can cause various levels of damage to the plant. Some common diseases that might affect the plants include:
- Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by the presence of a white, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Additionally, applying fungicides such as sulfur can help control the disease.
- Leaf spot: This disease appears as small, circular spots on the leaves and can cause them to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, it's important to remove and destroy all infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease. Applying fungicides such as copper can also be effective in managing this disease.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by several types of fungi that can invade the root system of the plant, causing them to rot and die. To manage root rot, it is crucial to avoid overwatering or poorly drained soil. Additionally, applying fungicides such as thiophanate-methyl can help control the disease.
Pest Management
Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & Gray var. andersonii (Gray) Cronq. are relatively resistant to pests. However, some common pests that might affect the plants include:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can be found on the undersides of leaves and can cause curling or yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, regularly spraying the plants with a strong stream of water or applying insecticidal soap can help control their population.
- Cutworms: These pests are nocturnal, cut through the stems of seedlings and young plants causing them to wilt and ultimately die. To manage cutworms, regularly inspect the plants for signs of damage and remove any affected plants immediately. Using physical barriers such as collars made from paper or plastic around the base of the plants can also help prevent cutworms from attacking them.
- Spider mites: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant and suck sap out of them, causing them to turn yellow and become dry and brittle. To manage spider mites, regularly spraying the plants with a strong stream of water can help control their population. Additionally, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in managing these pests.
