Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. planifolia (L.C. Anders.) L.C. Anders. - A Detailed Description
Ericameria viscidiflora, also known as Sticky-leaf goldenbush, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to California and Nevada. The plant can be found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper woodlands, at elevations ranging from 300 to 2,300 meters.
General Appearance
Ericameria viscidiflora is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and wide. The plant has multiple stems and branches that are covered with sticky glandular hairs. The leaves are about 3 to 10 mm wide and 10 to 30 mm long, and are often flat or slightly rolled under. The inflorescence is a cluster of flower heads that bloom from late summer to fall. The flower heads are about 5 to 8 mm wide, with yellow or yellow-orange ray flowers and yellow disk flowers.
Common Names
Ericameria viscidiflora is commonly known as Sticky-leaf goldenbush, Flat-leaved goldenbush, and Yellow-stemmed goldenbush.
Uses
The Native American tribes of California and Nevada have used Ericameria viscidiflora for medicinal purposes. The leaves were boiled and used as a poultice for bruises, sores, and other skin ailments. The plant was also used as treatment for coughs, colds, and congestion. Today, the plant is used in the restoration of degraded land and as an ornamental plant in landscaping.
Light requirements
Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. planifolia (L.C. Anders.) L.C. Anders. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can survive in areas with high light intensity and dry conditions, making it ideal for desert environments. As a result, it is commonly found in rocky or gravelly areas where there is limited competition for light.
Temperature requirements
This plant is well adapted to extreme temperature and moisture fluctuations. It can withstand high-temperature environments of up to 113°F, making it a common feature in the Mojave Desert. However, it can also survive in areas with moderate temperatures ranging from 41°F to 86°F. Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. planifolia (L.C. Anders.) L.C. Anders. can tolerate frost but will suffer if exposed to prolonged low temperatures.
Soil requirements
Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. planifolia (L.C. Anders.) L.C. Anders. prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0. It grows well in a variety of soil types, including sandy or rocky soils. The plant's root system is shallow, which means that it can spread to adjacent areas to obtain water and nutrients. Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. planifolia (L.C. Anders.) L.C. Anders. is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low water availability, making it ideal for xeriscaping or water-wise gardening.
Cultivation
Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. planifolia (L.C. Anders.) L.C. Anders. is a hardy plant that can thrive in various soil types and sun exposures, from full sun to partial shade. However, it prefers well-draining soils with moderate fertility levels. It can also tolerate dry conditions, making it appropriate for xeriscaping. To cultivate this plant, it is best to propagate it from cuttings rather than seeds. Cuttings can be taken in the spring or fall, after the last frost. Once the cuttings have been taken, dip them in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until the cuttings have formed roots.Watering Needs
Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. planifolia (L.C. Anders.) L.C. Anders. is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require frequent watering. Water it only when the soil has completely dried out, which could take a week or more depending on the climate and soil type. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems, so be sure to let the soil dry out between watering episodes.Fertilization
Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. planifolia (L.C. Anders.) L.C. Anders. does not require heavy fertilization, but it can benefit from an application of a well-balanced fertilizer once or twice a year. Use a slow-release fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, or incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting. Avoid using too much fertilizer, as this can cause excessive growth and reduce the plant's hardiness.Pruning
Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. planifolia (L.C. Anders.) L.C. Anders. requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and health. However, it can benefit from occasional pruning to remove damaged or diseased branches, and to stimulate new growth. Prune the plant in the early spring or fall, cutting back any dead or damaged wood and shaping the plant as desired. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.Propagation of Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. planifolia
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. planifolia can be propagated via several methods such as seeds, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
The easiest way to propagate Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. planifolia is by seeds. The seeds can be collected from the plant's flower heads in late summer or fall. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix that is kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to keep the soil temperature around 70°F to ensure germination. As the plant grows, gradually reduce the amount of water given and increase the light exposure. Seedlings can be transplanted after a few months of growth.
Division
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. planifolia can also be propagated by division. To do this, gently dig up the plant and separate its root clumps, ensuring that each section contains enough roots and leaves to support growth. Replant the divisions in a moist, well-draining soil mix, keeping the soil level with the top of the rootball. Water the plant thoroughly and keep it in low light until new growth appears.
Stem cuttings
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. planifolia can be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem from the plant, making sure that it has several leaves. Remove the lower leaves from the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the stem in well-draining soil, keeping the soil moist and providing the cutting with indirect sunlight. New growth usually appears in four to eight weeks.
Disease Management
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. planifolia is a plant that can be affected by various diseases. One of the common diseases that can affect this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can cause white patches on the leaves and can reduce the vitality of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good airflow around the plant and to avoid watering the foliage. Fungicides can also be used to control powdery mildew. Another disease that can affect this plant is rust. Rust can cause orange or brownish spots on the leaves and can also weaken the plant. Rust can be managed by removing affected leaves, ensuring good air circulation, and using fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. planifolia is vulnerable to a range of pests. One of the common pests that can affect this plant is the spider mite. Spider mites can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves and can weaken the plant. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly check the undersides of the leaves for mites and to spray the plant with water to remove them. In severe cases, insecticides can also be used. Another pest that can affect this plant is the aphid. Aphids can cause curling and distortion of the leaves and can also transmit viruses. To manage aphids, it is important to remove infested leaves and to use insecticides if necessary. It is also recommended to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to the garden as they can help to control aphids naturally.
