Overview of Draba asterophora Payson var. macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc.
Draba asterophora Payson var. macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. is a low-growing alpine plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to the Uinta Mountains and Rocky Mountains in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming in the United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Bigseed Alpindrift or Bigfruit Whitlow-grass.
Uses
Draba asterophora Payson var. macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its delicate appearance and attractive flowers. The plant is also used in native plant gardens and rock gardens due to its low-growing nature and adaptation to high altitudes. However, there are no known medicinal or culinary uses for this plant.
General Appearance
The Bigseed Alpindrift is a perennial plant that has a prostrate growth habit, meaning it grows close to the ground. It produces rosettes of basal leaves that are oval to broadly spatulate in shape. The leaves are up to 4 cm long and 1.2 cm wide. The plant grows up to 10 cm tall, and it has a branching stem. The stem produces clusters of white flowers that bloom from the end of June to the end of July. The flowers have four petals, and they are about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit is a curved silique that is up to 3.5 cm long and 2 mm wide.
Light Requirements
Draba asterophora Payson var. macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. is known to thrive in full sun or partially shaded locations. It requires sunlight for photosynthesis and growth, making it important to place the plant in an area that receives adequate light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is hardy to USDA zones 4-8, meaning it can endure extreme temperature conditions. However, it typically grows best in cool to temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 45-75°F. Therefore, it is important to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures exceeding 75°F and below 45°F for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. It can grow in different types of soil like sandy, loamy, and clay. However, it is advisable to add organic matter to the soil for optimal growth. The soil pH should range between 5.5-7.0, with neutral to slightly acidic soil providing the best growth conditions. Additionally, the soil should have good airflow and be permeable to allow for proper root development.
Cultivation Methods
Draba asterophora Payson var. macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. requires soil that is well-draining, porous, and nutrient-rich. The plant prefers full sun and can tolerate some shade. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate and soil conditions. Plant the seeds in early spring or fall after the last frost has passed.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering during its growing season, which is spring and summer. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not wet. In the winter months, reduce the watering frequency as the plant goes dormant. Over-watering can harm the plant, so ensure proper drainage.
Fertilization
Draba asterophora Payson var. macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. requires fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus, which promote flowering and fruiting. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
The plant does not require extensive pruning, but it is essential to remove old or withered stems to promote new growth. Regular pruning also ensures that the plant stays in shape and retains its aesthetic appeal. Prune the plant in the early spring before the growing season begins.
Propagation of Draba Asterophora Payson Var. Macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc.
Draba Asterophora Payson var. Macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc., also known as the High Plains draba, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. The plant propagates through its seeds and is relatively easy to propagate using different propagation methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Draba Asterophora Payson var. Macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. is through seeds. The seeds of the plant are small, and the plant produces them in abundance. The seeds have a hard outer layer that requires scarification to break dormancy.
Scarification can be achieved by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper, soaking them in boiling water for a few minutes or treating them with sulfuric acid. After scarification, the seeds can be sown to a depth of a quarter inch in a moist, well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds will germinate in two to four weeks.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate Draba Asterophora Payson var. Macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. is through division. This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections and repotting them to form new plants.
The best time to divide the plant is during the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. Care must be taken not to damage the roots, and each section should have viable roots and foliage. The divided plantlets should be planted in pots with well-draining soil, watered, and placed in a cool, bright location until they have established.
Cuttings Propagation
Draba Asterophora Payson var. Macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. can also be propagated through stem cuttings, although this method is less common. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants in spring or summer, choosing stems that are not blooming or actively growing.
The cuttings should be approximately 3-5 inches long and stripped of their lower leaves. They should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a humid environment to help them grow roots. They can either be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a humidity dome. The cuttings are usually rooted in six weeks and can be transplanted to larger pots after they have established roots.
Propagation of Draba Asterophora Payson var. Macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. requires some effort but is well worth the effort. Seeds are readily available, and the plant is relatively easy to propagate using the methods discussed above.
Disease and Pest Management for Draba asterophora Payson var. macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc.
Draba asterophora Payson var. macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. plant is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but some issues can arise, especially in unsuitable growing conditions or when the plant is stressed. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot – This fungal disease causes yellow or brown spots on the plant's leaves, leading to defoliation and stunting. To manage the disease, remove the affected leaves and destroy them to prevent further spread. Apply a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur to prevent further infection.
Root Rot – Root rot can be caused by fungi in the soil, particularly in poorly drained soils. The plant will show signs of wilting, yellowing, and stunting. To manage the disease, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove the affected plant from the soil and destroy it to prevent further spread.
Anthracnose – This fungal disease causes sunken brown spots on the plant's leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and stunting. To manage the disease, remove the affected leaves and destroy them to prevent further spread. Apply a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur to prevent further infection.
Pests
Aphids – Aphids are small insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a pesticide that contains pyrethrin or neem oil. Predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to the area to control the aphids naturally.
Spider Mites – Spider mites are tiny arachnids that cause yellow or brown spots on the plant's leaves and webbing on the undersides. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a pesticide that contains pyrethrin or neem oil. Increase humidity around the plant by spraying it with water to discourage spider mites from thriving.
Slugs and Snails – Slugs and snails are common pests that can damage the foliage and flowers of the plant. To manage these pests, remove any debris or leaf litter around the plant that serves as hiding places for them. Handpick the pests and drop them into soapy water to kill them, or use a bait containing iron phosphate to deter them.
By taking these disease and pest management practices into account, Draba asterophora Payson var. macrocarpa C.L. Hitchc. plant can grow healthier and produce better yields.
