Overview
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum (Small) Kearney & Peebles is a shrub species that belongs to the Crossosomataceae family. It is commonly known as white bursage or Bigelow's crossosoma. The plant is native to California and predominately found in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts region.
Appearance
The white bursage shrub can grow up to 1-3 feet tall and 2-6 feet wide. It has small, oval-shaped, slightly succulent leaves that are grayish-green or bluish-green in color, with a velvety texture. It bears small, showy flowers that are white or light yellow in color, blooming from March through May. The shrub is covered with fine, white hairs that give it a woolly appearance.
Uses
The white bursage is an important plant in its native ecosystem. It provides food and habitat for a variety of desert wildlife such as rabbits, birds, insects, and small mammals. Additionally, the plant has traditional medicinal uses. Native Americans used its leaves and stems to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and fevers. The plant is also used for erosion control or as an ornamental plant in landscaping.
Cultivation
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum is a hardy and drought-resistant plant. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. Propagation is mostly done by seed or cuttings. The plant has low water requirements and can survive with infrequent watering. However, it benefits from occasional deep watering during the summer months to encourage healthy growth.
Growth Conditions for Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum (Small) Kearney & Peebles
Light: Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum grows best in bright, direct sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will result in stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature: This plant is native to arid regions and can tolerate high temperatures up to 100°F (38°C). However, it prefers temperatures between 60°F (16°C) and 80°F (27°C). It can also tolerate some frost, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32°F (0°C) can damage or kill the plant.
Soil: Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum prefers well-draining, sandy or gravelly soils with low fertility. It can tolerate alkaline soils but may suffer in overly acidic soils. It is also drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.
Water: This plant does not require much water and can survive with occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant.
Fertilizer: Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum does not require fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can harm the plant and cause excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be collected in the fall and sown in the spring. Cuttings can be taken in the summer and rooted in well-draining soil, with bottom heat to encourage rooting.
Cultivation and Care for Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum (Small) Kearney & Peebles
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum is a beautiful plant that is native to the southwestern United States. If you are planning to cultivate this plant, here are some guidelines to follow:
Planting
The plant grows well in well-drained soil and requires moderate watering. The ideal soil pH is between 7 and 8.5. Before planting, it is recommended to prepare the soil by mixing organic matter, such as compost, with the soil.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering. During the first few weeks after planting, you should water the plant regularly to help it establish. Afterward, the plant needs to be watered only when the topsoil feels dry. Overwatering the plant can cause root rot, so it is important not to let the soil become too wet.
Fertilization
The plant does not require much fertilization. Applying a balanced fertilizer once in the spring and once in the fall is enough to stimulate healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can cause damage to the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the plant to thrive. However, you can prune the plant to shape it or to remove dead or damaged branches. It is recommended to prune the plant during the early spring or late winter.
By following these guidelines, you can easily cultivate and care for Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum and enjoy its beauty in your garden for years to come.
Propagation of Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum, commonly known as the alkali crossosoma, is an evergreen shrub that is native to the deserts of California, Arizona, and Baja California. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide, with beautiful white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months.
Propagation of Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum can be done through a variety of methods. Some of the common methods for propagating this plant are as follows:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in the spring in well-draining soil. It is important to keep the soil moist but not overly wet until the seedlings emerge, which can take up to 4 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the summer months. The cutting should be taken from a young, healthy plant and should be about 3-4 inches in length. The stem should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet until the roots have established, which can take up to 6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagating Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum is through division propagation. This method involves separating a clump of the plant into smaller, individual portions and replanting them in well-draining soil. The best time to perform division is in the spring, just before the plant enters its growth phase.
Overall, Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. var. glaucum is an easy plant to propagate through various methods, and whether you choose to propagate by seed, cuttings, or division, you can enjoy the beautiful flowers of this plant in your garden in no time!
Disease Management
Crossosoma bigelovii, like all plants, can be affected by various diseases that can cause damage and reduce the plant's health and productivity. The following are some of the common diseases associated with the plant:
- Leaf Spots: These are small, dark-colored spots that appear on leaves, which can be caused by different fungi and bacteria. To manage leaf spots, the affected leaves should be removed immediately and destroyed to prevent further spread. Fungicides can also be used to treat the plant, but this should be done carefully to avoid overuse.
- Mildew: Mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as white, powdery patches on leaves. To manage mildew, the affected areas should be removed, and the plant should be sprayed with an appropriate fungicide. Proper watering and ventilation can also help prevent mildew.
- Root Rot: This disease affects the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth and wilting. The main cause of root rot is overwatering, which leads to a buildup of soil moisture and slow drainage. To manage root rot, infected plants should be removed, and the soil should be dried out to prevent further spread. Fungicides can also be used, but prevention is always better than cure.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Crossosoma bigelovii can also be attacked by a variety of pests that can cause significant damage. Here are some common pests that you may encounter:
- Aphids: These are small, green insects that suck the sap from the plant and cause curling of leaves. To manage aphids, the plant can be sprayed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can also be used for biological control.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, red or brown pests that can cause yellowing of leaves and webbing. To manage spider mites, the plant can be sprayed with a mixture of insecticidal soap and neem oil. Boosting humidity levels and washing the plant with plain water can also help control spider mites.
- Thrips: These are small, slender insects that feed on leaves and flowers, causing damage and discoloration. To manage thrips, the plant can be sprayed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Natural predators like mites and bugs may also be effective for controlling thrips.
Regular inspection of the plant and prompt action when signs of pests and diseases appear can help prevent extensive damage and ensure the health and productivity of Crossosoma bigelovii.
