Overview
Ericameria parryi (Gray) Nesom & Baird var. salmonensis (L.C. Anders.) Nesom & Baird, commonly known as Salmon Mountain goldenbush, is a flowering shrub that is native to the western United States. The plant is a member of the Asteraceae family and is characterized by its yellow blooms and distinctive foliage.
Appearance
Salmon Mountain goldenbush typically grows to be between 2 and 5 feet tall and wide. The leaves of the plant are narrow and needle-like, and they have a gray or greenish hue. The flowers of the plant are small and yellow, and they bloom in clusters. The blooming period usually occurs in the late summer or early fall.
Origin
Salmon Mountain goldenbush is native to the western United States, including California, Nevada, and Oregon. The plant is commonly found in mountainous regions and can grow in a variety of soil types. It is known to be quite hardy and can tolerate drought conditions.
Uses
Salmon Mountain goldenbush has a number of uses, both medicinal and cultural. The plant has traditionally been used by Native American tribes for a variety of purposes, including as a treatment for respiratory ailments and as a natural dye for textiles. In modern times, the plant is often used in landscaping and can be an attractive addition to a garden border or rock garden. The plant is also a good source of food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
Overall, Ericameria parryi (Gray) Nesom & Baird var. salmonensis (L.C. Anders.) Nesom & Baird is a versatile and attractive plant that is well-suited to a variety of landscapes and uses.Light Requirements
Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis grows best in full to partial sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Insufficient light can cause poor growth and leggy appearance in the plant. This plant can also tolerate some shade but should not be kept in constant shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to regions with hot and dry climates, and so it prefers warm temperatures. It thrives in areas with daytime temperatures of 75-85°F and nighttime temperatures of 60-70°F. At temperatures below 50°F, growth slows down, and the plant may even die in freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis is adapted to grow in well-draining soils. It prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0-7.2. The soil must be moist but not waterlogged. This plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. It requires good aeration for healthy growth.
Cultivation
Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis is best grown in well-draining soils with full sun exposure. It is important to prepare the soil before planting by loosening and adding organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. Seedlings should be transplanted when they are at least 2 inches tall, and stem cuttings can be planted directly into the soil.
Watering Needs
Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering. The plant can be watered deeply once a week during the growing season. It is important to avoid overwatering, as the plant can be susceptible to root rot in overly moist soils.
Fertilization
Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis does not require frequent fertilization. However, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied once a year in the spring to encourage growth. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning
Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged branches can be pruned as needed. The plant may benefit from shaping in the early spring, but excessive pruning may lead to a decreased flower production during blooming season. It is important to avoid pruning during the blooming season, as this may disrupt flower production and growth.
Propagation of Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis
Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis, commonly known as Salmon River goldenbush, is a shrub species native to western North America. It is commonly found in rocky or gravelly soils in dry habitats such as sagebrush, pinon-juniper woodlands, and mountain brush communities at elevations from 1,500 to 3,000 meters. Propagation of this plant species can be accomplished using the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis can be propagated from seeds. The seeds can be collected from dried seed heads in the fall after they have ripened fully. To increase the germination rate, the seeds need to undergo stratification where they are stored in a cold, moist environment for several weeks before planting. The ideal germination temperature for this plant is between 18°C and 20°C and occurs within 2-3 weeks after planting.
Cuttings Propagation
Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis can also be propagated from stem cuttings taken from mature plants during the dormant season. The stem cuttings should be approximately 5 to 10 cm long with at least two to three nodes and should be taken from the previous season's growth. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings need to be kept moist and under high humidity until they develop roots, which usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagating Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis is through division, but this method is generally not recommended due to the plant's deep and complex root system. However, if division is required, it should be done during the fall or early spring before new growth appears. The plant should be carefully dug up and divided with a sharp and clean tool, ensuring each divided section has at least two to three viable shoots and a good root system. The divided sections should be replanted immediately, preferably in a sunny location with well-draining soil and good drainage.
Disease Management
The Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis plant is susceptible to different types of diseases, including:
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus, and symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. In severe cases, the roots rot, and the plant topples over. To manage it, remove the affected plant and avoid planting susceptible plants in the same soil.
- Rhizoctonia root and crown rot: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus, and symptoms include the yellowing and wilting of leaves, crown rot, and stunted growth. Use of fungicides with active ingredients such as fludioxonil, thiophanate-methyl, and pyraclostrobin can help manage the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by a fungus, and symptoms include a powdery white or gray coating on the leaves and stems. Keep the plant in an area with good air circulation, reduce overhead watering, and use fungicides with active ingredients such as myclobutanil, triforine, sulfur, and potassium bicarbonate, which help prevent mildew growth.
- Botrytis blight: This disease is caused by a fungus, and symptoms include brown spots, fuzzy gray or brown growth on leaves and stems, and rot on flowers. Avoid overhead watering, prune the infected plant parts, and use fungicides with active ingredients such as copper sulfate, thiophanate-methyl, and pyrimethanil to manage the disease.
Pest Management
The Ericameria parryi var. salmonensis plant is also susceptible to different types of pests, including:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and to drop prematurely. They also spin webs on leaves and stems. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage spider mites.
- Thrips: These pests have long, narrow bodies and wings and suck the juice from leaves and flowers. They can also transmit viruses to the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage thrips.
- Leaf miners: These pests lay eggs on leaves, and their larvae mine into the plant tissue, causing damage to the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage leaf miners.
- Cactus bugs: These insects feed on the plant's sap, causing leaf discoloration, yellowing, and wilting. Handpick the bugs and drop them into soapy water to manage them.
