General Overview
Frangula sphaerosperma ssp. longipes, also known as long-fruited coffee fern, is a native plant of the southeastern United States. It belongs to the plant family Rhamnaceae and is a shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall.
Appearance
The long-fruited coffee fern has dark green leaves that are glossy and smooth. It produces small, white flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit is a small, round, black drupe that is about 1/4 inch in diameter and appears in late summer or early fall. Its branches are angled and often have thorns.
Common Names
Frangula sphaerosperma ssp. longipes is commonly known as long-fruited coffee fern, long-fruited blackbush, or simply blackbush.
Uses
The long-fruited coffee fern has a variety of uses, both medicinal and practical. Its bark has been used as a laxative and a tonic, and its fruit has been used to make a black dye. Its thorny branches can be used to make a sturdy fence.
Light
Frangula sphaerosperma ssp. longipes grows well in partial to full sunlight exposure. This shrub can tolerate some shade, but it prefers at least four hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature
Frangula sphaerosperma ssp. longipes is adapted to a wide range of temperature conditions. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C). Ideally, the plant grows best in temperature ranges between 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in various soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils. However, the shrub prefers moist, well-drained soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate some salinity but grows best in non-saline soils.
Cultivation
Frangula sphaerosperma ssp. longipes, commonly known as the Sierra alder buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the western United States. It prefers growing in full sun or partial shade and can grow up to 10 feet tall. This plant is typically found in wetland areas such as bogs or wet meadows. To cultivate this plant, it is important to provide it with a well-draining soil. This plant can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers moist soils. Planting should be done in spring or fall, and it is crucial to keep the roots moist during the first growing season.Watering Needs
Since it is native to wetland areas, Frangula sphaerosperma ssp. longipes prefers to grow in moist soils. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. During dry periods, the plant may need to be watered weekly to maintain adequate moisture levels.Fertilization
Frangula sphaerosperma ssp. longipes is not a heavy feeder and typically does not require fertilization. However, if the plant appears to be struggling, a slow-release balanced fertilizer can be applied in the early spring.Pruning
Pruning is generally unnecessary for Frangula sphaerosperma ssp. longipes, but it can be done to control the plant's size or shape. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead or damaged branches can be pruned at any time of the year. When pruning, it is important to maintain the natural shape of the plant to avoid damaging the structure.Propagation of Frangula sphaerosperma (Sw.) Kartesz & Gandhi ssp. longipes (M.C. & L.A. Johnston) Kartesz & Gandhi
Frangula sphaerosperma (Sw.) Kartesz & Gandhi ssp. longipes (M.C. & L.A. Johnston) Kartesz & Gandhi, also known as the Arizona or Mexican Buckthorn, is a great addition to any garden. This plant is propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Frangula sphaerosperma is through seed propagation. The plant produces small black berries that contain seeds. Collect the seeds after the fruit ripens and plant them about 1/4 inch deep in rich, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and cover the pots with plastic or place them in a warm, humid environment to aid in germination.
Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagation is stem cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy stem, about 6 inches in length and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in potting soil or straight into the ground. Keep the soil moist and protect the cutting from direct sunlight. Roots should begin to grow in about four to six weeks.
Layering
Frangula sphaerosperma can also be propagated by layering. This method involves bending a low branch to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch will begin to grow roots where it is in contact with the soil. Once enough roots have formed, remove the branch from the parent plant and transplant it to a new location.
Disease Management
Frangula sphaerosperma ssp. longipes is relatively resistant to many diseases. However, the plant can develop root rot, stem cankers, and leaf spots. The most common cause of root rot is overwatering. To prevent root rot, ensure adequate drainage, water with care, avoid overcrowding, and remove any infected plants promptly. Stem cankers often appear as sunken, discolored areas on the bark and can lead to the death of the plant. To manage stem cankers, prune the affected areas and apply a fungicide. Leaf spots manifest as small, circular spots on the leaves and can potentially spread to other areas of the plant. To control leaf spots, remove any infected leaves promptly and apply a fungicide as necessary.
Pest Management
Frangula sphaerosperma ssp. longipes is susceptible to some pests, including the aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves. To manage aphids, regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation, such as curled leaves and stunted growth. Remove any infested leaves or stems and spray the plant with a stream of water to dislodge any remaining insects. Alternatively, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
Spider mites are common pests that feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing them to yellow and drop. To control spider mites, regularly mist the plant to increase the humidity around it and remove any affected leaves. Alternatively, manually wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or apply a miticide to the plant.
Scale insects are tiny, immobile pests that attach to the plant's stems and leaves and feed on its sap. To control scale insects, prune the affected areas and apply a horticultural oil to smother the pests.
