Origin
Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii (Dur. ex Pennell) Gleason, commonly known as Short's Hedgehyssop, is a species of plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to the coastal plain of the southeastern United States, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Common Names
Short's hedgehyssop is commonly known by various names, including Yellow hedgehyssop, Coastal plain hedgehyssop, Small yellowhead, Sticky hedgehyssop, and Southern yellowhead.
Uses
Short's Hedgehyssop is used medicinally for its astringent properties (tightening or constricting) to treat hemorrhages (bleeding) and diarrhea. The plant contains chemical compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, and alkaloids that contribute to its astringent properties. Additionally, it is used in natural habitats as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
General Appearance
The plant is a perennial herb that grows up to forty inches tall. Its leaves are opposite, narrow, and lanceolate, with a sticky surface due to glandular hairs. The flowers are yellow, about an inch in diameter, and bloom from May to July. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not thrive in heavily shaded areas. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii is adapted to grow in wetlands, marshes, and along stream banks in temperate regions. It prefers cool to warm temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15.5-26.5°C). Extreme temperatures, either high or low, can cause stress and affect growth rates.
Soil Requirements
Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii grows best in clay or loamy soils that are constantly moist or have a high water table. It can tolerate some flooding but does not tolerate drought or dry soils. The pH range for optimal growth is 6.0-7.5. It can also tolerate slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.0.
Cultivation Methods
Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii is a wetland plant that requires growing conditions that are typical of environments with high soil moisture levels. To cultivate this plant, establish a growing area by digging a hole and filling it with water, ensuring adequate drainage. The area should have full sun exposure. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
The plant requires a continuous supply of moisture to thrive. Water the plants consistently to ensure that the soil maintains a moist environment. The water requirements of this plant can vary depending on the weather conditions and the growing environment. If grown in a hot and dry location, the plant may require more water than that grown in a cool and wet one. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires moderate fertilizer applications to encourage healthy growth. It is ideal to fertilize Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii every six weeks with a balanced fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. At the start of the growing season, apply a slow-release fertilizer to provide long-term nourishment for the plant.
Pruning
Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii does not require any pruning activities. However, deadhead the flowers when they start to wilt to encourage the plant to produce new blooms. This can also help the plant to conserve energy and maintain its growth. Remove any dead or diseased leaves at any time to prevent fungal diseases from spreading.
Propagation Methods for Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii (Dur. ex Pennell) Gleason
Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii (Dur. ex Pennell) Gleason is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. The plant is native to the southeastern part of the United States, where it grows in wetlands and other marshy areas. Propagation is an important aspect of growing Gratiola viscidula, and there are several methods that can be used to propagate this plant.
Propagation by Seeds
Gratiola viscidula can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Germination can take anywhere from two to four weeks, and the seedlings should be kept in a warm and bright location until they are established. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, they can be transplanted into their permanent locations.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is another method that can be used for Gratiola viscidula. This method involves dividing the roots of an established plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is best done in the spring or fall, when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, separate the roots into sections, and replant each section in its own location.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Gratiola viscidula can also be propagated by stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from an established plant and rooting it in a soil mix. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by stem cuttings, take a cutting from the tip of a stem, remove the bottom leaves, dip the end in rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist until it develops roots, which can take several weeks.
Disease Management
The Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii (Dur. ex Pennell) Gleason is susceptible to a few diseases, including stem rot and leaf spot.
Stem rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the plant's stem, leading to wilt and death. It is favored by wet conditions and can be prevented by improving drainage and avoiding overhead irrigation. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease attacks the leaves, causing brown or black spots and defoliation. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead irrigation and overcrowding, which maintains humid conditions favorable to the disease's progress. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed.
Pest Management
The Gratiola viscidula Pennell var. shortii (Dur. ex Pennell) Gleason can be affected by aphids and spider mites.
Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves, distortions in the stems, and a general weakening of the plant. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs into the ecosystem.
Spider mites: These tiny arachnids feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing or bronzing of the leaves and stunted growth. They can be prevented by maintaining a humid environment and keeping the plant healthy. Infected plants should be sprayed with water or a miticidal soap or oil to reduce the population.
