Overview of Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq.
Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq. is commonly known as Wetherill's horseweed, or simply Wetherill's dicoria. This plant belongs to the Sunflower family (Asteraceae) and can be found predominantly in the southwestern region of North America. It is a perennial herb that grows from a woody base and can reach a height of up to 3 feet.
General Appearance of Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq.
Wetherill's horseweed has a narrow, elongated stem that is covered in woolly hairs, which give the plant a grayish-white appearance. The leaves have a similar texture and are alternate, lance-shaped, and can reach up to 4 inches long. The flower heads are small and are generally borne in clusters. They are composed of yellowish-white disk flowers with no ray flowers and can reach up to 1/4 inch in diameter.
Uses of Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq.
In traditional medicine, some Native American tribes used Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq. to treat coughs, colds, and other respiratory issues. It was also used to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. In modern times, the plant has not been extensively studied for its medicinal properties, and caution is advised when using it for self-treatment.
The plant is also used by some wildlife such as mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep as a food source.
Wetherill's dicoria has been known to invade homes and property, especially during drought periods, but it is usually considered to be a minor weed issue.
Growth Conditions for Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq.
Light: Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii requires full sun to grow well. It is adapted to a desert environment with very high light levels. The plant may become stunted and fail to flower if grown in shade or partial shade.
Temperature: This plant prefers hot and dry conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 80 to 95°F (27-35°C). It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, and will die back in the cold. This plant is commonly found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where summer temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C).
Soil: Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to rocky. This plant is adapted to arid environments and is drought tolerant, so it does not require frequent watering. The pH of the soil can range from acidic to alkaline, but soils with a pH of 7 to 8.5 are preferred.
Nutrients: Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii does not require a lot of soil nutrients to grow well. In fact, too much fertilizer may harm the plant, as it is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils. However, applying a small amount of low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a cactus mix, in early spring can help the plant get off to a strong start.
Cultivation and Care of Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq.
Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq. is a native plant to the southwestern United States, specifically found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This plant grows well in an arid or semi-arid climate and is easy to cultivate. Here are some tips for cultivating and caring for Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq.:
Soil Requirements
Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq. thrives in well-draining soil that is sandy. The soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, and the plant prefers full sunlight. This plant can tolerate nutrient-poor soils, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscaping.
Watering Needs
Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq. is drought-tolerant once established. Watering should be infrequent and only necessary during prolonged drought periods. Avoid over-watering, which increases the risk of rot and fungus.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq., as it prefers nutrient-poor soils. In fact, fertilizing this plant may lead to poor growth or even death.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq. is not required, as it is a low-growing ground cover. However, if necessary, remove dead or diseased branches and thin crowded areas to promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq.
Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq. can be propagated through seeds, division, and cuttings.
Propagation via Seeds:
To propagate Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq. through seeds, the seeds need to be collected from mature plants. The seeds can be sown in a well-prepared seed bed in the spring. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots, and grown under controlled conditions until they reach the appropriate size for planting in the garden.
Propagation via Division:
Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq. can also be propagated through division. Mature plants can be carefully lifted from the ground and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a good root system. The sections can be planted in the garden, at a suitable distance from each other.
Propagation via Cuttings:
Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq. can be propagated through cuttings too. Cuttings can be taken from young, healthy plants. The cuttings should be about 4-5 inches long, and should have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower end of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix, and placed in a warm and bright location. After a few weeks, roots should start to develop, and the cutting can be transplanted into an individual pot. The plant can be grown in the pot for 2-3 months, and then transplanted into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq.
Dicoria canescens Gray var. wetherillii (Eastw.) Cronq., commonly known as desert dicoria or Wetherill's dicoria, is a shrub that is native to the southwestern United States. The plant is hardy and can thrive in harsh desert conditions, but it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some tips for managing these issues:
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect dicoria canescens is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause a white or gray powdery substance to appear on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant foliage dry by avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to help control the disease.
Another disease that can affect dicoria canescens is root rot. This fungal disease can cause the roots of the plant to decay, which can lead to wilting and death. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and to ensure that the soil has good drainage. Fungicides can also be used to help control the disease.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect dicoria canescens is aphids. These small insects can suck the sap out of the plant and cause stunted growth and leaf curl. To manage aphids, they can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
Another pest that can affect dicoria canescens is spider mites. These tiny arachnids can cause yellow or brown spots on the plant leaves and can cause the plant to become dry and brittle. To manage spider mites, they can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests for dicoria canescens is to maintain good plant health and to catch any issues early on. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease or pests and taking action quickly can help to prevent larger problems from developing.
