Overview of Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich
Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich, commonly known as the dwarf spring-parsley, belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to North America, specifically found in the intermountain region and Great Basin desert.
General Appearance
The dwarf spring-parsley is a small and compact plant that forms a dense rosette. It is characterized by its numerous basal leaves, which measure up to 8 cm in length. The leaves are finely divided and have an overall feathery appearance. The plant's stems are relatively short, reaching only around 10 cm in height.
The dwarf spring-parsley is known for its delicate and elegant flowers, which are arranged in an umbel shape. The flowers are small and white, with a diameter of approximately 2-3 mm. The petals are obovate in shape and have a slight curl at the tip.
Common Names
The dwarf spring-parsley is commonly known as the dwarf mountain parsley, dwarf mountain spring-parsley, or dwarf spring-parsley.
Uses
Although not extensively studied, native American tribes have used the Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich plant medicinally. It is known to have anti-spasmodic properties, which are useful in treating digestive problems. The roots of the plant have also been used to alleviate toothache and sore throat.
In addition, the Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich plant is popular among horticulturists and plant collectors. It is a popular plant for rock gardens due to its low maintenance needs, compact size, and delicate floral display.
Overall, the Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich plant is a unique and captivating plant that is both visually and medicinally appealing.
Light Requirements
Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich is a sun-loving plant species. It requires full sun exposure to thrive and produce flowers. If grown in partial shade, its growth may be inhibited, and the quality of the flowers may be reduced.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is well adapted to grow in areas with cold climates. It can tolerate temperatures down to -10oF (-23oC) and can withstand prolonged seasonal changes in temperature. During the growing season, the ideal temperature range is 40oF (4oC) at night to 80oF (27oC) during the day.
Soil Requirements
Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich thrives in well-drained and sandy soils. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 to 7.5. This plant species can tolerate dry soils, but not waterlogged or overly moist soils. It requires low to moderate soil fertility, and it is drought-tolerant.
Cultivation
Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to arid regions of western North America and requires specific growing conditions to thrive.
The plant prefers full sun exposure to partial shade and requires well-drained soil for optimum growth. It grows best in soil that is rocky or sandy, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. To aid drainage, it is recommended to grow the plant in raised beds or containers.
Propagation can be done through seeds, which should be sown in the spring. The seedlings should then be transplanted outdoors once they have reached a height of 2-3 inches.
Watering Needs
Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich requires little water and is drought-resistant. However, during the growing season, it is recommended to provide consistent moisture to the plant. Watering should be done sparingly, but deeply, to avoid waterlogging the soil. Avoid wetting the leaves, as the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich requires little fertilization. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth and can reduce the plant's ability to resist drought. If needed, fertilize sparingly using a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 blend, in the spring.
Pruning
Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. parvus Goodrich does not require regular pruning and should be left to grow naturally. However, if the plant becomes unsightly or overgrown, pruning the older stems and spent flowers can promote new growth and increase the overall health of the plant.
Propagation of Cymopterus acaulis var. parvus
Cymopterus acaulis var. parvus is commonly known as the dwarf mountain parsley, and it is a herbaceous perennial plant species that grows in rocky soils in alpine, subalpine, and montane zones. Propagation is the process of increasing the number of plants. There are two primary ways to propagate Cymopterus acaulis var. parvus: seeds and division.
Propagation from Seeds
One method of propagating Cymopterus acaulis var. parvus is through seeds. The plant produces tiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Collect the seeds when they have matured by cutting stalks that contain seeds, placing them into a paper bag and leaving it in a dry environment for a few weeks as this will allow the seeds to dry out. Once the seeds are dry, they can be stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
To propagate with seeds, fill a container with a light, well-draining soil mix. Sow the seeds in the mix, then water the seeds and cover the container with plastic wrap. Place the container in a warm, sunny location until the seeds germinate. After approximately two weeks, remove the plastic wrap and continue to water as necessary.
Propagation by Division
The second method of propagating Cymopterus acaulis var. parvus is by division. The best time to divide the plant is in the early spring when the new growth begins to appear. Carefully dig up the plant and cut the root ball into sections, making sure each section contains a portion of the root system and the stem. Replant each section immediately into well-draining soil mix and water well.
After planting, careful watering and monitoring of the plant is needed until new growth emerges, a sign indicating the plant has adapted to its new location. It usually takes around a year for the plant to establish itself firmly in the soil and mature into its full size.
Disease Management
Cymopterus acaulis is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, there are some diseases that might affect the plant. Here are some of the common ones:
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. The plant will wilt and the leaves will turn yellow. The best way to manage this disease is to provide proper drainage and avoid overwatering.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It is characterized by a white, powdery substance on the leaves. The leaves might also turn yellow and drop off. The best way to manage this disease is by pruning affected leaves and providing good air circulation.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It is characterized by brown spots on the leaves. The leaves might also turn yellow and drop off. The best way to manage this disease is to prune affected leaves and provide good air circulation.
Pest Management
Cymopterus acaulis is not often affected by pests. However, there are some pests that might affect the plant. Here are some of the common ones:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that spin webs on the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They can cause damage to the leaves of the plant by eating them. They can be managed by picking them off by hand or by using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
