Overview
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. is a perennial wildflower that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is commonly known as the Shasta daisy fleabane due to its daisy-like appearance. It is native to western North America and is commonly found in high elevation meadows, rocky slopes, and open forests.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 30 cm tall and spreads up to 40 cm wide. The basal leaves are narrowly elliptic to oblanceolate, up to 3 cm long. The stem leaves are linear to narrowly triangular, up to 2 cm long. The leaves are glandular and hairy. The flowers are white or pink, daisy-like, and appear in clusters at the top of the stem. Each flower consists of a central disc with numerous ray florets surrounding it.
Uses
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. has been used for medicinal purposes by various Indigenous tribes. The plant contains chemicals such as coumarins, flavonoids, and tannins, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The plant is also used in the horticultural industry as a garden plant due to its attractive daisy-like appearance.
Light Requirements
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. typically thrives in full sun or partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
This subspecies of Erigeron pumilus Nutt. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in moderate temperatures, between 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F) during the day and 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at night. It can survive in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) and as high as 30°C (86°F).
Soil Requirements
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. requires well-draining soils with a neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils, as long as they are not water-logged. This subspecies of Erigeron pumilus Nutt. can also grow in poor soils where other plants struggle to survive. Adding organic matter like compost or leaf litter can improve soil fertility and water retention.
Cultivation
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq., commonly known as the Shasta daisy, is a perennial herb that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. This plant is native to the United States, grows up to 6 inches tall, and is a great addition to rock gardens and mixed borders.
The ideal planting time for the Shasta daisy is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler. Make sure to space the plants about 12 inches apart to provide adequate room for growth. When planting, loosen the soil, and add compost or other organic matter to improve the soil quality.
Watering Needs
Shasta daisies require moderate watering, especially during the summer heat. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant to a depth of 6 inches, about once a week. Reduce the frequency of watering during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. grows well in nutrient-rich soil. It is recommended to feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, once every four weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive growth and reduce the plant's flowering potential.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape of the plant and to encourage new growth. Deadheading, the removal of dead or faded flowers, is essential to promote continuous blooming. You can cut the plant back to the ground after the first frost in fall, or you can leave some dried foliage and flowers to add interest to the winter garden. It is also essential to remove any damaged, dead, or diseased foliage throughout the growing season to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation Methods for Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq.
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. can be propagated through various methods like seeds, division, and cuttings. Here is a brief description of each method:
Seed Propagation
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. can be propagated by seed. The plant produces tiny seeds that can be collected when they are mature and sown in a well-draining potting mix. It is essential to maintain a uniform moisture level in the soil during the germination period, which takes about 2-3 weeks. The temperature should be around 18-22°C for uniform germination.
Division Propagation
The division is another method of propagating Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. This method is particularly useful if you want to propagate multiple plants quickly. The best time to divide the plant is during spring or early summer. Begin by lifting the plant and gently dividing the root ball into several sections. Plant these sections into well-draining potting soil and water them regularly until they become established.
Cutting Propagation
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. can also be propagated by taking cuttings. Cuttings may be taken from the plant during the growing season. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from the tip of a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Downy mildew: this disease is caused by the fungus Peronospora senecionis, which affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a yellowish-grey downy growth on the affected parts. To manage this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant, avoid overwatering the plant, and ensure proper ventilation around the plant to reduce humidity levels.
- Leaf spot: this is caused by the fungus Septoria erigeronis, and it appears as small, circular, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and ensure proper spacing between plants to allow for good air circulation.
- Crown rot: this is caused by the fungus Phytophthora spp., and it affects the roots and stems of the plant, causing them to rot. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, ensure proper soil drainage, and remove infected plants from the field to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Erigeron pumilus Nutt. ssp. intermedius Cronq. is also susceptible to pests that can reduce its productivity. Some of the common pests that affect this plant are:
- Aphids: these are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing deformation and stunted growth. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, and prune affected parts of the plant.
- Spider mites: these are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population, increase humidity around the plant, and prune affected parts of the plant.
- Cutworms: these are caterpillar pests that cut the stem of young plants, causing them to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use biological control methods such as introducing natural predators, apply chemicals such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), and create physical barriers around the plant stem.
