Origin and Common Names
Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis (J.B.S. Norton) L.C. Wheeler, commonly known as Cushion Spurge, is a herbaceous perennial subshrub that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. This plant is native to the United States, particularly in the Great Plains Region, including Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas.
General Appearance
Cushion Spurge can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and spreads up to 1-2 feet wide. This plant produces a dense cushion-like mound of light green leaves, which are oblong and measure around 1 to 2 inches long. The leaves are smooth and finely toothed along the edges. Cushion Spurge produces small yellow-green flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are flat-topped and measure around 1/2 inch across. When the flowers bloom, they produce a prickly seed pod.
Uses
Cushion Spurge is commonly used as a landscape plant in rock gardens, borders, and mass plantings. This plant is easy to grow and tolerates a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Cushion Spurge prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate partial shade. This plant is deer-resistant and attracts bees and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to any pollinator garden.
However, it's crucial to note that Cushion Spurge contains a white, milky sap that can be toxic to humans and animals when ingested or in contact with the skin. Therefore, it's essential to handle this plant with care and wear gloves when pruning or handling it.
Light Requirements:
Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis typically prefers full to partial sun exposure for optimal growth. It is considered a drought-tolerant plant and can withstand direct sunlight for extended periods. However, in extremely hot and arid conditions, it may require some shade to avoid damage to its leaves and stems.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures and is native to regions with a subtropical to tropical climate. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F/-6°C but prefers to grow in a temperature range of 60°F-85°F/16°C-29°C. In areas where the temperature drops below 50°F/10°C, the plant may enter dormancy and shed its leaves.
Soil Requirements:
As a succulent plant, Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis has minimal soil requirements. It grows best in well-draining soils with a low to moderate nutrient content. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0). The plant can adapt to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and gravelly soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging and requires a well-draining medium to prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis (J.B.S. Norton) L.C. Wheeler is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, and it is relatively easy to cultivate. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. It is best to plant the Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis (J.B.S. Norton) L.C. Wheeler in pots as it can be invasive if planted directly in a garden bed.
Watering Needs
The Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis (J.B.S. Norton) L.C. Wheeler does not require a significant amount of water and it thrives in dry conditions. Over-watering can lead to root rot and ultimately kill the plant. It is essential to allow the soil to dry out between watering to avoid over-watering the plant.
Fertilization
The Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis (J.B.S. Norton) L.C. Wheeler is a relatively low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, since it is a succulent, it does benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once per growing season. Applying fertilizer during the growing season can help promote healthy growth.
Pruning
The Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis (J.B.S. Norton) L.C. Wheeler does not require regular pruning. However, if it becomes too leggy or overgrown, it is best to prune it back in the spring. To do this, you can cut the plant back to a few inches above the soil level using sterile pruning shears. The plant will produce new growth in the following growing season.
Propagation of Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis
Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis (J.B.S. Norton) L.C. Wheeler, commonly known as the hairyflower spurge, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to the central United States and is characterized by its green, lance-shaped leaves and yellowish-green flowers that bloom in the summer.
Propagation of Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis can be achieved through various methods, including division, cuttings, and seeds.
Division
Division is one of the easiest ways to propagate Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis. It involves digging up the plant and dividing the root ball into sections. Each section should have healthy roots and shoots. These sections can then be planted in a new location, preferably in nutrient-rich soil.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagating Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis. This method involves cutting a stem from the plant and rooting it in soil or water until it grows roots. The stem should be taken from a healthy plant and it is best to take cuttings during the growing season. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transferred to a new container or planted directly in the ground.
Seeds
Seeds are a common method of propagation for many plants, and Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis is no exception. Seeds should be planted in nutrient-rich soil and kept moist until they germinate. Once they have germinated, they can be transplanted to a new container or planted directly in the ground. It is essential to handle the seeds with care, as they are toxic if ingested.
Disease Management
Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis (J.B.S. Norton) L.C. Wheeler is a hardy plant, but it may be susceptible to certain diseases. The following are some common diseases and their management techniques:
Bacterial Leaf Spot
Bacterial leaf spot is caused by the Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. The disease manifests as water-soaked spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves immediately. Also, avoid overhead irrigation and apply a copper-based fungicide.
Fungal Leaf Spot
Fungal leaf spot is caused by various fungi, including Alternaria and Cercospora spp. The disease manifests as circular, brownish spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves. Also, avoid overhead irrigation, water the plant in the morning, and apply a fungicide containing a copper-based compound.
Viral Diseases
Viral diseases, such as the tomato spotted wilt virus, may infect euphorbias. This disease causes stunted growth, leaf necrosis, and yellowing. Once infected, the plant cannot be cured. Therefore, it is important to control the vector, which is the western flower thrips. Use reflective mulch to repel the thrips, eliminate weeds, and apply insecticides containing abamectin or spinosad.
Pest Management
Euphorbia incisa Engelm. var. mollis (J.B.S. Norton) L.C. Wheeler is generally pest-free, but certain pests may occasionally attack the plant. The following are some common pests and their management techniques:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves, leading to leaf curling and yellowing. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Alternatively, release ladybugs or lacewings to feed on the aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown pests that suck the sap from the leaves, leading to leaf discoloration and drop. To manage spider mites, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the plant. Also, increase humidity around the plant using a humidifier or by misting the leaves regularly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects covered with a powdery, white wax. They suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing, and may also excrete a sticky honeydew that attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant. Alternatively, use rubbing alcohol or a cotton swab dipped in soapy water to remove the mealybugs manually.
