Overview
Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum is a perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America and is also known by the common name serpent or serpentinite bedstraw. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family and can be found growing in rocky or sandy soils, primarily in open woodland and montane habitats.
Appearance
The plant typically grows to be 20-40 cm tall and produces several stems that are erect or ascending in habit. It has small, lance-shaped leaves that are usually whorled around the stem in groups of 4-8. The leaves are 5-20 mm long and up to 1.6 mm wide. Its flowers are very small, white-green and are arranged in inflorescences that are rounded to narrow and elongated. The fruit is a small, spherical capsule that contains tiny seeds.
Uses
Galium serpenticum has a variety of traditional uses among Native American communities. The Chehalis tribe used a decoction of the plant to treat headaches, sore eyes, and as an emetic. Similarly, the Hoh and Quileute tribes used the leaves and stems to make a tea for stomachaches, as well as topical poultices to treat wounds, burns, and rheumatism. The plant is also sometimes used for erosion control and habitat restoration because of its ability to spread and becoming established on unstable soils. However, the plant has no known medicinal use outside of traditional remedies.
Light Requirements
Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum requires full to partial sunlight to grow properly. It can thrive in areas where the sun is filtered through trees, but it cannot grow in complete shade.
Temperature Requirements
These plants grow well in regions with a mild to warm climate. The usual temperature range for Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum is between 10-30°C (50-86°F). During the colder months, these plants prefer temperatures of at least 7°C (45°F).
Soil Requirements
The plants need well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.8. The soil must be rich in organic matter and must possess a loamy texture. Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum can even grow in sandy soil but does not do well in clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum is a small perennial herb that requires well-draining soils with low nutrient levels. The plant thrives in rocky soils, chaparral, or open forest areas. The herb needs partial shade to full sun exposure to grow optimally. Moreover, the plant is propagated using seeds or cuttings. Sow the seeds and water regularly until the seedlings are well established.
Watering Needs
The Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum requires moderate watering, but it is not drought tolerant. During the active growing season, water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Watering should be reduced during the winter to avoid root rot. Additionally, watering should be done at the base of the plant to prevent fungal infections.
Fertilization
The Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum does not require heavy fertilization. The plant thrives in nutrient-poor soils, and adding too much fertilizer can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. However, you can add a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer during the plant's growth season to promote healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing during the winter season.
Pruning
Pruning is not entirely necessary for Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum as this plant does not grow tall. However, if you want to maintain the plant's shape or promote denser growth, you may have to prune after flowering. Cut back the stems by one-third of their heights to encourage new growth. Moreover, remove any dead or damaged leaves in the process.
Propagation of Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum
Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum can be propagated via both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The best time to harvest seeds from Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum is in the fall. The seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year. If stored, they should be kept in a breathable container to prevent molding. When sowing, it is best to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the plant and should be around 3-4 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two or three. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings in a warm, humid location. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum is generally a hardy plant that is not often bothered by diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this plant:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by waterlogging and poor drainage. The roots rot and turn brown or black. To manage this disease, improve drainage around the plant by ensuring that the soil is well-draining. You can also avoid overwatering and choose a well-draining soil mix.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease manifests as white powder-like patches on the leaves, usually in the late summer or early fall. To manage it, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide that targets mildew. Additionally, keep the area under and around the plant clean to reduce the chances of infection.
- Crown Rot: This is a fungal disease caused by Botrytis cinerea. It affects the base of the plant and can lead to yellowing and wilting. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately you notice them. If the disease has affected the entire plant, discard it and avoid replanting in the same area for at least two years.
Pest Management
Galium serpenticum Dempster ssp. serpenticum is also infrequently attacked by pests. Here are the most common pests that might affect this plant and how to manage them:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that extract sap from leaves, leading to yellowing and wilting. To manage them, remove and destroy any infected leaves, and spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or oil. Additionally, make sure to keep the plant well-watered, as spider mites thrive in dry environments.
- Aphids: These are tiny pests that usually feed on the new growth of plants. They can lead to distorted leaves, stunted growth, and the spread of certain plant diseases. To manage aphids, wash them off with a strong jet of water, or spray the plant with a neem oil solution. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the area.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They can lead to the skeletonization of leaves and the stunted growth of plants. To manage them, remove and destroy any infected plant parts. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide, which is a natural pesticide that targets caterpillars.
