Origin
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray, commonly known as cutleaf daisy or leafy fleabane, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America, specifically found in the western parts of the United States and Canada, from California and Arizona to British Columbia and Alberta.
Common names
Other common names for this plant include featherleaf fleabane, lacy fleabane, cut-leaved fleabane, and Sierran fleabane, depending on the region it's found in.
Uses
The cutleaf daisy has both medicinal and horticultural uses. In traditional medicine, it has been used as a cough suppressant and for reducing fever. It has also been used as a poultice for treating wounds and burns. As for horticulture, the plant is a popular ornamental plant. Its vibrant yellow flowers with white centers bloom in late spring and early summer, adding a splash of color to gardens and landscaping. The plant is also drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
General Appearance
The cutleaf daisy is a herbaceous perennial plant, which can grow up to 2 feet tall and spread up to 3 feet wide. Its stem is slender, erect, and hairy, with leaves that are deeply lobed or pinnately divided, giving a fern-like appearance. The leaves are generally green or gray-green, depending on the cultivar. The plant produces numerous small yellow flowers with white centers that grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers have a daisy-like appearance and bloom from May to July. When in full bloom, the plant is a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Light Requirements
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray prefers full sun to partial shade. This plant thrives in bright sunlight and requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. It may also tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates, but too much shade can lead to poor growth and fewer blooms.
Temperature Requirements
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray is a hardy perennial plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows well in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 8, where the average minimum temperature is between -30 to +20 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 to -6 degrees Celsius) during the winter months. During the growing season, Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray requires temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 24 degrees Celsius) for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.0. This plant grows best in soil that is moist but not waterlogged, so make sure the soil is well-drained. You can amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and provide nutrients for the plant. Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray is drought tolerant, but it grows best when the soil is kept evenly moist throughout the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray is a hardy perennial that is indigenous to North America. The plant thrives in a well-draining soil with a pH level of 6 to 8. It can grow both in full sunlight and partial shade. Planting can be done in the spring, summer or fall using seeds or transplants.
Watering Needs
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray requires moderate watering. During the growing season, it should be watered once a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. However, during the winter, watering should be reduced to once every 2 weeks to prevent the roots from rotting.
Fertilization
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray is not a heavy feeder and does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, to ensure that the plant is healthy and produces flowers, a balanced liquid fertilizer should be added during the growing season.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray helps to maintain its shape and prolong its life. The plant should be pruned after flowering to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. Deadheading the flowers also helps to stimulate the growth of new flowers.
Propagation of Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray is through seeds. The seeds should be planted during the fall season when the soil temperature is about 60 to 65°F. The seeds need light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil. After about 2 to 3 weeks, the seeds should start to germinate. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have developed true leaves.
Division
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller clumps and replanting these clumps into new locations. This method is best done during the spring season before the plant starts growing leaves.
Cuttings
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray can also be propagated through cuttings. This involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be taken during the spring season when new growth is just starting to appear. The cuttings should be about 3 to 5 inches long and should have at least two nodes. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray is relatively resistant to diseases. However, some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper spacing between plants, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant parts.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes rusty spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage rust, ensure proper spacing between plants, remove infected plant parts, and apply fungicides if necessary.
- Leaf Spots: This is a fungal disease that causes circular brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spots, avoid overhead watering, ensure proper drainage, and remove infected plant parts.
Pest Management
Erigeron compositus Pursh var. pinnatisectus Gray is also relatively resistant to pests. However, some common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap, or apply insecticides if necessary.
- Spider Mites: These are small pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellow spots and webbing. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water, or apply insecticides if necessary.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of butterflies and moths that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand, or apply pesticides if necessary.
