Origin
Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii, also known as Drummond's sunflower, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to the Great Plains region of North America, and it can be found in several states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
Common Names
Drummond's sunflower has several common names, including Drummond's sneezeweed, Drummond's false sunflower, spring sneezeweed, and plains sunflower.
Uses
Drummond's sunflower has several uses in traditional medicine. The plant contains compounds that have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The Cheyenne and Sioux tribes of Native Americans have used the plant to treat various ailments, including fever, respiratory tract infections, and skin conditions.
The plant is also used for landscaping purposes because of its attractive blooms. The bright yellow flowers bloom from April to September, and they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, the plant is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in arid regions.
General Appearance
Drummond's sunflower is a clump-forming plant that can grow up to three feet tall. It has narrow leaves that are up to six inches long and two inches wide. The leaves are deeply lobed and toothed, giving them a fern-like appearance.
The plant produces several yellow flower heads that are about two inches in diameter. The flowers have a central disk surrounded by ray flowers. The flower heads are held on long, slender stems that rise above the foliage.
The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is easy to grow from seed, and it has few pest or disease problems.
Light Requirements
The Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii (Torr. & Gray) Kartesz & Gandhi typically prefer full sunlight exposure and grow best in areas that receive direct sunlight. However, they can also tolerate partial shade for a few hours during the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and the cooler temperatures between 50 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They are typically found in warm and arid regions, but they can also survive in regions with cooler temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii (Torr. & Gray) Kartesz & Gandhi prefer well-drained soils with a sandy texture and good organic matter content. They thrive in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate dry soil conditions but cannot tolerate soil that is waterlogged for an extended period.
Cultivation:
Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii (Torr. & Gray) Kartesz & Gandhi is a sun-loving plant that requires full sun to grow well. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil with good aeration for optimal growth. The plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods of dry conditions.
The plant is best grown from seed, which should be sown in spring or early summer. The seeds should be placed about ΒΌ inch deep in the soil and spaced about 8 inches apart. The plant grows quickly, and seedlings should be thinned out to avoid overcrowding and promote healthy growth.
Watering Needs:
Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii (Torr. & Gray) Kartesz & Gandhi is a drought-tolerant plant, and therefore, requires minimal watering. It is important to water the plant deeply and infrequently to promote deep root growth and avoid standing water around the plant's root system.
During the plant's growing season, it is recommended to water the plant once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. However, it is essential to avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization:
Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii (Torr. & Gray) Kartesz & Gandhi is a light feeder and does not require heavy fertilization. The plant can grow well without any fertilization, but adding a small amount of slow-release fertilizer can help promote healthy growth and flowering.
The best time to fertilize the plant is during the growing season, which is in spring and summer. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every four to six weeks. However, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and avoid over-fertilizing.
Pruning:
Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii (Torr. & Gray) Kartesz & Gandhi does not require frequent pruning. However, pruning can help promote bushier growth and enhance the plant's appearance. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.
The plant can be pruned to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any weak or crossing branches. It is also recommended to cut back the plant by about one-third of its height to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Propagation of Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii
Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii, commonly known as Drummond's False Tansy, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to North America and is typically found in dry fields, pastures and along roadsides.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii is commonly done by seeds. The seeds of this plant are small and light and can be easily dispersed by the wind. To propagate the plant by seeds, collect the mature seeds in the fall and plant them directly into well-draining soil. The seeds should be placed about 1/16 inch deep and covered lightly with soil. Water the soil evenly and provide enough light to help them germinate.
Propagation by Division
Another way to propagate Drummond's False Tansy is through division. This method is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate the plant this way, dig up the plant and carefully divide into smaller sections using a sharp knife or garden shears. Make sure that each section has some roots and leaves. Then, plant each section in a well-draining soil and water it regularly until it establishes.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii can be done through stem cuttings as well. This method is less common but can be effective if done correctly. Take cuttings of new growth in the spring or early summer, making sure that each cutting is at least 2 to 3 inches long and has several sets of leaves. Dip the cut ends of the stems in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-aerated, moist soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide adequate light and warmth for the cutting to root and establish.
Disease and Pest Management for Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii (Torr. & Gray) Kartesz & Gandhi
Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii, also known as Drummond's Falsepennyroyal, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family. This plant is susceptible to some diseases and pests that can damage its health and growth. To ensure the optimal growth of this plant, it is necessary to implement disease and pest management strategies. Let us take a closer look at some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing orange or brown spots on them. This disease spreads through water and wind. To manage rust, it is crucial to prune infected branches and leaves, make sure to water the soil and avoid wetting the leaves, and apply a fungicide that contains copper.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black lesions on the leaves and stems of the plant. This disease usually develops in humid conditions. To manage anthracnose, it is necessary to prune infected branches, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide that contains chlorothalonil.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellow or brown spots on the leaves. They are usually found on the underside of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is necessary to wash the leaves with soapy water, reduce the humidity in the growing area, and apply a miticide that contains abamectin.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny insects that suck the sap of the plant. They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves. Whiteflies can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage whiteflies, it is necessary to spray the plant with water, apply an insecticidal soap, and use yellow sticky traps to catch the adult flies.
Implementing an integrated pest management system is essential for the successful growth of Evax verna Raf. var. drummondii. By taking preventative measures and monitoring the health of the plant, it is possible to prevent diseases and pests from causing severe damage to the plant.
