Overview of Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail
Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail is a species of plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States and is commonly found in sandy coastal areas.
Common Names
Dolicholus erectus is commonly known as pineland beggarweed, hill cane, and tall beggarweed.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has hairy stems and leaves. The leaflets are narrow and pointed, and the flowers are small and white-cream in color. The seeds are small and can be found in long, thin pods that can reach up to 5 inches in length.
Uses
Dolicholus erectus has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes and is believed to have properties that can aid in treating various ailments. It is also used as a forage crop for livestock and can help in controlling soil erosion due to its deep roots that help in stabilizing the soil.
Light Requirements
Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail grows best in areas with full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant can still survive in areas with partial shade, but it will likely result in slower growth and smaller plant size.
Temperature Range
Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in warm to hot climates. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 68-86°F (20-30°C). The plant can still survive in temperatures as low as 50°F or as high as 104°F (10-40°C), but it will likely result in slower growth and reduced health.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail should be well-drained and fertile. The plant prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant also requires good soil aeration, which can be achieved by adding sand or vermiculite to the soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as too much water can lead to root rot and plant death.
Cultivation Methods for Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail
Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail, commonly known as the Weeping Bluestem, is a warm-season perennial grass that is native to the southeastern United States. It is an attractive ornamental plant that requires minimal care and is easy to grow. The following are cultivation methods for this plant:
- Choose a location that has well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
- Plant the Weeping Bluestem seeds in the late spring or early summer and ensure that they are no deeper than ¼ inch below the soil surface.
- Make sure that the seeds receive adequate sunlight, at least 6 hours a day, for healthy growth.
Watering Needs for Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail
The Weeping Bluestem needs regular watering, especially during the hot and dry summer months. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Follow these tips when watering the plant:
- Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and adjust this schedule as necessary based on weather conditions and soil moisture.
- Water the soil around the plant's base, rather than directly on the leaves.
- Install a rain gauge to determine how much water the plant receives naturally and supplement accordingly.
Fertilization of Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail
The Weeping Bluestem requires minimal fertilization. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth, and the plant may need to be cut back. Follow these tips when fertilizing the plant:
- Apply a slow-releasing fertilizer, such as compost, once in the spring and again in the fall.
- Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote excessive growth and thatch buildup.
- Consider a soil test to determine the specific nutrient needs and adjust the fertilizer accordingly.
Pruning of Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail
The Weeping Bluestem is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. However, some pruning can help maintain the plant's shape and overall health. Follow these tips when pruning:
- Do not prune the plant until it matures, which typically takes two to three years.
- Cut back dead or damaged foliage during the late winter or early spring before the plant's growing season.
- Trim back the entire plant to about 6-8 inches in height after the first hard frost in the fall to encourage healthy regrowth in the spring.
Propagation of Dolicholus erectus:
Dolicholus erectus (Walt.) Vail, also known as "erect goldentop," can be propagated through several means.
Propagation by seed:
The easiest and most common method of propagating Dolicholus erectus is through seed. Seeds can be collected from the plant during autumn when the seed heads turn brown. The seeds must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris and then stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring when they can be sown in flats or individual pots.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch in a well-draining potting mix that is kept moist but not waterlogged. It can take up to four weeks for germination to occur.
Propagation by cuttings:
Dolicholus erectus can also be propagated through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken in late summer from new growth that has started to harden but has not yet fully matured.
The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have several leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, humid environment until roots form.
Propagation by division:
Finally, Dolicholus erectus can be propagated through division. This should be done in early spring before new growth appears. Dig up the plant and gently separate the root clumps into sections, ensuring that each section has roots and several stems or shoots.
Plant each section in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist until new growth appears. Dividing the plant every 3-4 years will help to keep it healthy and vigorous.
Disease Management for Dolicholus Erectus (Walt.) Vail
Dolicholus Erectus (Walt.) Vail is susceptible to various kinds of diseases that can lead to stunted growth, leaf yellowing, wilted foliage, and even death if left untreated. Here are some of the most common diseases and ways to manage them:
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is characterized by the appearance of water-soaked lesions on the plant leaves and pods. The disease can be managed by removing the infected parts to prevent the bacteria from spreading. The use of copper-based fungicides can also help to control this disease.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose can cause the leaves of Dolicholus Erectus (Walt.) Vail to develop brown or black spots. This disease can be managed by applying a fungicide containing chlorothalonil to the plant foliage and pods. It is important to remove any infected plant parts and avoid watering the plant from overhead to prevent the spread of the disease.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt can cause the leaves of Dolicholus Erectus (Walt.) Vail to wilt and eventually die. The disease spreads through the soil, and therefore, it is important to avoid using soil that has previously been infected. Treatment of this disease can be challenging, but it can be managed by removing any infected plants and rotating crops in the field.
Pest Management for Dolicholus Erectus (Walt.) Vail
Dolicholus Erectus (Walt.) Vail is also susceptible to various kinds of pests that can damage the plant tissues, reduce yield, and even kill the plant. Here are some of the most common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids can cause damage to Dolicholus Erectus (Walt.) Vail by piercing the plant tissues and sucking the sap. This can lead to the deformation of the leaves and the stunting of plant growth. The use of insecticidal soap can help to control the population of aphids in the field.
Spider Mites
Spider mites can cause the plant foliage to turn yellow or brown and become distorted. The use of insecticidal soap or a miticide can help to control the population of spider mites. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can make it more susceptible to infestations by spider mites.
Thrips
Thrips can cause the leaves of Dolicholus Erectus (Walt.) Vail to become distorted and discolored. These insects can be managed by applying a neem oil-based insecticide to the plant foliage. It is important to also remove any weeds in the field, as they can serve as hosts for thrips.
