Origin
Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum (Brand) Munz, commonly known as Cobwebby Yerba Santa, is a perennial plant native to California, particularly found in the Central Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, and San Francisco Bay Area. It belongs to the family Boraginaceae.
Common Names
Other common names for Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum (Brand) Munz include Yerba Santa, Mountain Balm, Consumptive's Weed, Gum Plant, and Bear's Weed.
Uses
Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum has historically been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Native Americans used the plant for treating respiratory ailments, such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. They also brewed the leaves to make tea and used the plant as a smudge herb for spiritual and ritual purposes.
Today, the plant is still used for its medicinal properties and is commonly found in herbal supplements and cough and cold remedies. The plant contains volatile oils, resins, and tannins that are believed to have antiseptic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
General Appearance
Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum is a shrub that can grow up to 9 feet tall. Its leaves are thick, dark green, and slightly serrated. The plant produces small, white or lavender flowers that bloom in clusters from June to August. The flowers are followed by small, hairy brown fruit capsules that split open to release the plant's seeds. The stems of the plant are also covered in fine, woolly hairs that give it a "cobwebby" appearance, hence the plant's common name.
Light Requirements
Eriodictyon trichocalyx ssp. lanatum are native to California and can grow in full sun or partial shade. They prefer areas with well-drained soils, but can tolerate some moisture.
Temperature Requirements
Eriodictyon trichocalyx ssp. lanatum grow best in temperate climates with mild winters and hot, dry summers. They are generally hardy from USDA zones 7 to 10, and can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Eriodictyon trichocalyx ssp. lanatum prefer well-draining, sandy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. They can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils, but do not grow well in heavy clay or poorly draining soils.
They are also tolerant of soils with low fertility and can survive in areas with minimal water availability. However, adding organic matter to the soil can improve growth and promote root development.
Cultivation Methods
Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum (Brand) Munz, also known as the Lizard Tail, is a beautiful plant that thrives in full sunlight. It is a wild shrub native to California and the southwestern United States. The plant can grow up to 12 feet tall and spread up to 6 feet wide. These plants prefer well-drained soil but can tolerate various soil types and moisture levels. When transplanting, it is best to use Western native plant soil mixtures for best results.
Watering Needs
The Lizard Tail is a drought-resistant plant and can survive hot and dry summers with little water. They do not require frequent watering and can withstand short periods of drought without any adverse effects. However, for the best growth, regular watering is necessary during the first year of transplanting. Once established, the plant should be watered once every two weeks. It is important not to over-water the plant as it can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The Lizard Tail plant does not need much fertilizer. However, it is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season for optimal growth. A balanced water-soluble fertilizer can also be applied once every two months. Be careful not to over-fertilize as it can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the Lizard Tail plant is necessary to maintain its shape and promote new growth. Trimming should be done during the plant's dormant season, which is late fall or early winter. The plant should be pruned to remove dead or damaged wood and to keep a uniform shape. Only remove no more than one-third of the plant's growth to avoid damage. If the plant becomes too big or unshapely, you can cut it back to its main trunk without causing harm to the plant.
Propagation of Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum (Brand) Munz
Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
The most common method of propagation for Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum is through seeds. The seeds are usually obtained from the dry fruits of the plant. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil after the danger of frost has passed. The soil must be well-draining and the seeds should be kept moist until germination. The germination of seeds can take up to two months, and it is important to note that not all seeds will germinate.
Propagation by cuttings
Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum can also be propagated by cuttings. The stem cuttings are taken from healthy, mature plants in the spring or summer. The cuttings should have at least two nodes and should be around four to six inches long. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and out of direct sunlight until they root.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is another method of propagating Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum. The plant can be divided in the spring or early fall. The plant should be gently dug up and the roots and crown should be carefully separated. Each division should have several shoots and a healthy root system. The divisions should be immediately replanted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they establish in their new location.
Disease Management
Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum (Brand) Munz is susceptible to several diseases. The most common diseases that affect the plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a white powdery coating on the surface. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and stems and spray the plant with a fungicide. To prevent the disease, avoid overcrowding, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing rust-colored spots. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected parts of the plant and spray with a fungicide. To prevent rust, avoid overcrowding, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing black spots on the surface. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves and spray with a fungicide. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Eriodictyon trichocalyx Heller ssp. lanatum (Brand) Munz is also susceptible to several pests. The most common pests that affect the plant are spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. To prevent spider mites, maintain proper humidity and avoid overcrowding that can lead to the buildup of spider mite populations.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are another pest that sucks sap from the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage whiteflies, remove and destroy the infected leaves and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. To prevent whiteflies, monitor the plant regularly and maintain proper humidity to avoid overcrowding.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing deformation and yellowing. To manage aphids, remove and destroy the infected leaves and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. To prevent aphids, maintain proper humidity and avoid overcrowding that can lead to the buildup of aphid populations.
