General Appearance
Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor, commonly known as Cusick's shooting star, is a perennial wildflower native to the western United States. The plant is a member of the primrose family, Primulaceae. Cusick's shooting star grows in moist meadows, boggy areas, and along stream banks at elevations ranging from 400 to 3000 meters.
The plant reaches a height of 8-20 inches and forms a basal clump of leaves that are lance-shaped and 4-10 inches long and 1 inch wide. From the center of the clump, a slender stalk emerges, topped with a tightly clustered umbel of showy, pink to purple flowers. Flowers are 1-2 inches long, composed of five petals that flare outward and bend backward, resembling a shooting star. The plant blooms from April to June and produces multiple flower umbels.
Common Names
Cusick's shooting star is known by several common names, including Cusick's mountain shooting star, fleur-de-lis, Cusick's primrose, and purple pride. The plant is named in honor of Native American botanist and plant collector, Ada Hayden Cusick, who collected the type specimen in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho in the early 1900s.
Uses
Cusick's shooting star has several uses, particularly in traditional medicine. Native American tribes used the leaves of the plant to make poultices for treating bruises, sore muscles, and pain relief. The root of the plant was brewed into tea and taken orally to treat respiratory infections and digestive problems. The plant has also been used in botanical medicine to treat conditions such as congestive heart failure.
Growth Conditions for Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor
Light Requirements: Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor requires partial to full shade. It grows best in areas where it receives direct sunlight for no more than four hours a day. Exposure to too much sunlight can cause the plant to wilt or even die.
Temperature Requirements: The ideal temperature range for the growth of Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor is between 50°F to 70°F. The plant is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 80°F for short intervals, but sustained exposure to these conditions will damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements: Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor grows best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. The ideal pH range for the plant is between 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Excessive watering can cause the roots to rot, while inadequate watering can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Other Growth Requirements: The plant requires a moderate level of humidity to thrive. It is susceptible to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies, and care must be taken to prevent infestations. Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor is also intolerant of waterlogging, and care must be taken to ensure that the plant is not exposed to standing water or flooded soil. Regular fertilization is recommended to maintain its healthy growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor, commonly known as Showy Shootingstar, is a native plant to North America. It is a herbaceous perennial that requires full to partial sun exposure for its growth. The plant prefers well-drained and moist soils, rich in organic matter.
The best way to grow Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor is from seeds. The seeds are usually sown in late fall or early spring, with soil temperatures ranging between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Before sowing, the soil should be well-tilled, free from debris, and mixed with compost. The planting depth should be one-quarter inch deep. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks, and the plant will grow to its full size in two to three years.
Watering Needs
Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor requires moderately moist soil for its growth. It should not be overwatered, as it may lead to root rot. Overwatering should be avoided by ensuring that the soil is well-drained. During the growing season, watering can be done once a week, depending on the soil's moisture content.
Fertilization
Fertilizers should be applied only once a year, during spring. The plant requires a slow-release fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus. Nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided as it promotes foliage growth over flowering. Before applying fertilizer, the soil should be moist. The recommended amount of fertilizer is one tablespoon per square foot of growing space.
Pruning
Pruning should be done after flowering when the plant is beginning to go dormant. The pruning process involves cutting back the dead flowers and dead or yellowing leaves. The stem can be cut down to the soil level. Pruning encourages the plant to put its energy into root development rather than seed production.
Propagation of Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor
There are various ways to propagate Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor. Some of the most common methods include seed propagation, division of clumps, and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor can be propagated by sowing seeds either in fall or spring. Seeds should be sown on top of the soil in flats or pots filled with well-drained soil. A thin layer of soil can be placed on top of the seeds to cover them.
The seeds should be kept moist, and it will take around 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate. The plants can be transplanted outside during their second year of growth.
Division of Clumps
Another way of propagating Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor is by dividing clumps. This method is best done in spring, just as new growth is starting. The clumps should be gently dug up and then carefully separated with a sharp knife.
The divided clumps can then be replanted at the same depth as the original plant and should be watered well.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is possible but not as common as seed propagation or division of clumps. Healthy stem cuttings can be taken in the early summer, before the flowering has finished. The cuttings should be around 7-10cm long and should be planted in well-drained soil.
The cuttings should be kept moist and can take up to several weeks to root.
Disease Management for Dodecatheon Pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. Cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor
Dodecatheon Pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. Cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor is generally a healthy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, it can still be affected by certain diseases that can be managed to prevent the plant from being affected severely. The following are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Bacterial Crown Rot
Bacterial Crown Rot is a serious disease that can affect the plant's roots and crown. The symptoms include the yellowing of leaves, wilting, and the death of the plant. To manage this disease, it's important to remove affected plants, and ensure that proper watering techniques are used to prevent wet soil conditions which encourage the spread of bacteria.
Cercospora Leaf Spot
Cercospora Leaf Spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. The disease is characterized by circular brown spots on leaves. Infected leaves can be pruned, and a fungicide can be applied to prevent further infection.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium Wilt is a fungal disease that can cause wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. Avoid planting Dodecatheon Pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. Cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor in soils that have been infected before, and ensure proper watering techniques. Infected plant parts should also be removed, and fungicide can be used to manage the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Dodecatheon Pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. Cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor
Dodecatheon Pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. ssp. Cusickii (Greene) Calder & Taylor is not prone to many pests, but it can still be affected by some that can cause damage to the plant. The following are common pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Japonica Beetles
Japonica Beetles can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant. To manage these beetles, use insecticides, or use traps to attract and reduce their population.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and Snails can cause damage to the leaves of the plant. Use slug and snail bait that contains iron phosphate to attract and eliminate them. Another option is to handpick and remove them from the plant, especially at night, when they’re most active.
Aphids
Aphids can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on sap. They can be controlled using insecticidal soap, or by using natural predators such as ladybugs.
