Origin
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr. is a plant species that is native to eastern North America spanning from Ontario to Louisiana. It also grows along the eastern coast of the United States, specifically from Maine to Georgia.
Common Names
This plant goes by several common names, including ovateleaf eupatorium, ovateleaf thoroughwort, roundleaf hoarypea, and roundleaf boneset.
Uses
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It has been used as a laxative, to treat colds, fever, and flu-like symptoms. The plant has been used to stimulate gastric secretions and as a diuretic. It was also believed to have been a treatment for fevers, gallstones, kidney and bladder problems, and respiratory problems.
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum has served other purposes such as attracting pollinators and wildlife to the region where it is growing. It is also used in landscaping due to its attractive, showy flowers and foliage. It helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion in areas where it is planted.
General Appearance
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has woody stems and an upright habit, with leaves that are ovate and toothed. The plant features clusters of white to pink flowers arranged in terminal corymbs that appear from late summer to early fall. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soils, and partial shade, making it commonly found in the understory of wooded areas.
In conclusion, Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum is a robust plant with a variety of uses in traditional medicine and landscaping.
Light Requirements
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr. prefers full sun to partial shade. Being a native North American plant, it is adaptable to a wider range of light conditions, but may not tolerate intense afternoon sun in hotter climates.
Temperature Requirements
The Bigleaf thoroughwort or ovate-leaved eupatorium plant is a hardy perennial and can grow in various temperature conditions. It can survive winter temperatures in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, indicating it can grow in a wide range of temperatures from below freezing to 30°C (86°F).
Soil Requirements
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr. prefers well-drained, moist soils that range from sandy to loamy. The soil should be nutrient-rich and have a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It can tolerate different soil categories, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils, but it does not grow in standing water or very alkaline soils.
Cultivation methods
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr. is a relatively easy plant to grow and cultivate. It can be propagated using seeds or stem cuttings, with stem cuttings being the more preferred method. The plant prefers well-draining soil and is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It grows best in full sun to partial shade, with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering needs
The plant needs moderate watering, with the soil being kept moist but not wet. Drying out of the soil will cause stress to the plant, and overwatering may lead to root rot. It is advisable to water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil type.
Fertilization
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr. can benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. Fertilizers that are high in nitrogen promote foliage growth, while those high in phosphorus encourage flowering. A balanced fertilizer can be used to achieve both, and it is advisable to fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
To maintain the shape and size of the plant, pruning is necessary. Pruning can also help to promote bushier growth and more flowering. The best time to prune the plant is during the late winter or early spring when it is still dormant. It is advisable to trim back up to a third of the plant, cutting it back to just above a leaf node or a bud. Dead or damaged branches can also be removed at any time during the year.
Propagation of Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr.
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr. can be propagated through different methods such as seed propagation, division, and stem cutting. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and growers should choose the most suitable method based on their circumstances.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr. can be sown in a pot or a seed tray filled with moist potting soil. The optimal time for sowing is in late winter or early spring. Seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch and covered with a thin layer of soil. The pot or seed tray should be placed in a warm and humid location, and the soil should be kept moist till germination. Germination of seed usually occurs within two weeks. Once seedlings appear and grow their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Division
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr. can be propagated through division during early spring or fall. The process involves separating the plant into smaller sections with a sharp knife, ensuring that each division contains at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. The divided sections should then be planted in separate pots, and the soil should be kept moist until the plants become established.
Stem Cutting
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr. can also be propagated through stem cutting. The process involves taking cuttings from non-flowering stems during the summer or autumn. The cuttings should be at least four inches in length and should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The pots should then be placed under bright but indirect sunlight and should be kept moist until the cuttings have rooted. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted to individual pots.
Disease Management of Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr.
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum is a plant that is prone to various diseases. The most common diseases affecting the plant include the following:
- Leaf Spotting: This disease causes circular spots on the leaves of the plant, which eventually develop into larger spots and may cause defoliation. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove all the infected plant parts and destroy them. Additionally, fungicide application can help manage the disease.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually killing the plant. To prevent this disease, it is recommended to plant the plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Additionally, the use of fungicides can help manage the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that forms a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant, which eventually causes them to die. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove all the infected plant parts and destroy them. Additionally, fungicide application can help manage the disease.
Pest Management of Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum (Bigelow) Torr.
Eupatorium rotundifolium L. var. ovatum is also prone to pest infestation. Some of the common pests that affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant. To manage aphids, one can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that live on the undersides of leaves and suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow. To control spider mites, one can introduce natural predators such as predatory mites, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation. To manage caterpillars, one can manually remove them from the plant or use a natural insecticide.
It is important to note that using chemical pesticides to manage pests can have negative effects on the environment and beneficial insects. Therefore, it is recommended to use natural pest management methods first before resorting to chemicals.
