Origin
Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii (Coult. & Rose) Beauchamp, also known as Parish's eryngo, is native to southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico.
Common Names
Parish's eryngo is also known as San Diego button-celery, San Diego coastal button-celery, and San Diego button eryngo.
Uses
Parish's eryngo has been used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments, such as fever, cough, and joint pain. The roots and leaves were brewed to create a medicinal tea. Additionally, the plant has ornamental value, and its dried flowers and stems are used in floral arrangements.
General Appearance
Parish's eryngo is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows up to 2–3 feet tall. It features a basal rosette of irregularly toothed, spiny leaves that can reach up to 16 inches long. The stem is typically branching and bears blue-grey, cone-shaped flowerheads that are 1–2 inches wide and are surrounded by spiny bracts. The flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer and attract various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Light Conditions
Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. When grown in shaded conditions, the plant tends to grow weak and spindly. However, it can tolerate partial shade in hot and arid regions, provided it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the hot and arid regions of California and requires a warm climate for optimal growth. It can withstand high temperatures of up to 100°F (38°C) and, therefore, thrives in regions with high summer temperatures. During the winter, the plant can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) but is largely dormant during this period.
Soil Conditions
Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii grows well in well-draining sandy loam soils, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. The plant is also capable of growing in soils with high rock content and limestone soils, which are common in its native habitat. It is essential to note that the plant is adapted to dry conditions and can withstand periods of drought, making it a great plant for xeriscaping.
Cultivation
Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii (Coult. & Rose) Beauchamp, commonly known as Parish's Eryngo, is a perennial plant native to California and Baja California, Mexico. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-draining soil to thrive. This plant can be successfully grown in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
Watering needs
As a native to arid and semi-arid regions, Parish's Eryngo is accustomed to periodic droughts. Therefore, the plant requires infrequent watering, especially during the summer months when it is in its active growth phase. It would be best to allow the soil to dry out at least one inch deep before watering the plant deeply. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. So make sure to avoid sitting in water.
Fertilization
Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii (Coult. & Rose) Beauchamp does not require regular fertilization to grow healthily. However, you may add a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring to ensure healthy growth. Avoid applying fertilizer during the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Deadheading (removing spent flowers) is not necessary for the plant's health but can promote the growth of new flowers in some cases. If your plant becomes too tall and leggy, you can cut it back by a third of its size in early spring to restore its shape. Additionally, you may trim the plant to remove any dead or damaged leaves or branches throughout the year.
Propagation of Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii (Coult. & Rose) Beauchamp
Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii (Coult. & Rose) Beauchamp, commonly known as Parish's eryngo, is a perennial herb that is native to Southern California. The plant is propagated through seeds, division, and stem cuttings.
Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii is through seeds. The seeds are small and should be planted in early spring in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge, which usually takes about 2-4 weeks. The seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location once they have grown to about 3 inches tall.
Division
Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant. The plant should be carefully dug up and the roots separated into individual plants. Each plant should have a healthy root system, and the crown should be intact. The new plants should be replanted in well-draining soil and kept moist until established.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is also possible, but it requires more effort. The best time to take stem cuttings is in mid to late summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the outer edges of the plant and should be about 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be stripped of their lower leaves, dipped in rooting hormone, and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings have rooted, which usually takes about 3-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii (Coult. & Rose) Beauchamp is typically a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, some common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. To manage this disease, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop brown spots. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Additionally, avoid watering the plant from above and keep the leaves dry.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to have a whitish-gray powdery coating. To manage this disease, spray the plant with a fungicide and avoid overcrowding the plants to increase airflow.
Pest Management
Eryngium aristulatum Jepson ssp. parishii (Coult. & Rose) Beauchamp is also relatively resistant to pests. However, some pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. You can also use an insecticidal soap to eliminate them.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's juices, causing the leaves to turn yellow and develop webbing. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Snails and Slugs: These are common garden pests that can feed on the leaves of the plant, leaving large holes. To manage these pests, you can handpick them and dispose of them. Additionally, you can place a copper strip around the base of the plant to deter them.
