Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck, also commonly known as Rough Gumweed, is a flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).
Origin
The plant is native to North America and can be found in various regions including the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. It thrives in dry and open areas such as prairies, meadows, and sagebrush habitats.
Common Names
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck is commonly known by several names including Rough Gumweed, Hairy Gumweed, Wrinkled-leaved Gumweed, and Red-stemmed Gumweed.
Uses
The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine by various indigenous tribes in North America. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial properties. The plant extract is used to treat several ailments including respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, and skin irritations.
In addition, Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck is also used as a wildlife habitat and food source for various insects and animals such as bees, butterflies, and birds.
General Appearance
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck is a perennial herb that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant has rough, hairy leaves that are wrinkled and deeply lobed. Its flowers are yellow and daisy-like, and they bloom in the summer. The stem of the plant is reddish-brown and covered in fine hairs.
Overall, Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck is a useful and attractive plant that plays a significant role in North America's ecology and traditional medicine.
Typical Growth Conditions of Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck, commonly known as Hairy gumweed, is native to North America, primarily found in the western regions of the United States and northern Mexico. The plant is considered a drought-tolerant perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Light Requirements
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck requires full sun exposure to thrive. This plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The full sun exposure helps the plant obtain adequate energy through photosynthesis to grow and flower.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck thrives in a dry climate with a temperature range of 35-90°F. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as -10°F and as high as 100°F. However, the plant’s resilience to extreme temperatures depends on soil moisture level, wind velocity, and duration of extreme temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck grows well in well-draining soils. The plant prefers soils with low to medium fertility, ranging from sandy to clay soils with pH values of 6.5 to 8.0. Additionally, the soil's texture and moisture content are important for the plant's survival as it can not thrive in water-logged soils. The plant can tolerate drought conditions, and in dry conditions, it conserves water through its deep roots.
Cultivation Methods
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck, also known as Gumweed, is a native perennial plant that grows well in well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types, including sandy or rocky soils. The plant can also tolerate drought conditions, making it a great choice for arid regions.
When cultivating Gumweed, it is essential to space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. It is also advisable to plant them in areas with good air circulation to avoid the development of diseases, especially during the flowering season.
Watering Needs
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck does not require much water and is drought-tolerant. However, like all plants, it does need moisture. Established plants should be watered once a week during dry periods. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought but cannot survive long periods without water. Young plants will need more frequent watering until they have established a robust root system, usually within a year.
Fertilization
Gumweed does not require much fertilization and is generally not a heavy feeder. A light application of a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 fertilizer, in the early spring can help promote growth. However, it is essential to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage and not enough flowers.
Pruning
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck does not require much pruning. However, removing spent flowers can help encourage additional blooms. Pruning the plant back in the fall can also help improve its shape and promote healthy growth in the spring. Cutting the plant back to 4-6 inches from the ground will help encourage dense growth and promote a more compact plant.
Propagation of Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck, commonly known as Hairy gumweed, is a native plant of North America. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter in height and spreads up to 80 cm wide. The plant is mainly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck is through seeds. The seeds are produced in the tiny fruits of the plant, which are commonly referred to as achenes. The achenes ripen during the fall, and are easily collected by hand. The seeds inside the fruits are tiny and can be directly sown into the soil.
The ideal time to sow the seeds is in late winter or early spring, just before the last frost. The seeds should be sown about 1 cm deep and kept moist. The seeds germinate within 2-3 weeks and form a strong root system in the first year. The young plants can be then transplanted in the desired location in the late spring or early summer.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cutting is another successful method of propagating Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck. The young shoots or stem cuttings are collected in the early spring during the active growth phase of the plant. The stem cutting should be about 10-15 cm long and cut just below a node.
The bottom leaves of the stem cutting should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce the moisture loss. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a moist potting mix. The cutting should then be kept in a shaded location and kept moist. After 4-6 weeks, the cutting should form roots and can be transplanted to the desired location.
Disease Management
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck is relatively resistant to many common plant diseases. However, some diseases may still affect the plant, including:
- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powder-like substance to appear on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, the affected parts of the plant should be removed and disposed of properly. Fungicidal sprays may also be used.
- Root rot: A fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to decay. To manage root rot, it is important to provide proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Fungicidal treatments may also be used.
- Leaf spots: A fungal disease that causes circular spots to appear on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spots, the affected leaves should be removed and disposed of properly. Fungicidal sprays may also be used.
Pest Management
Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn. ssp. rubricaulis (DC.) Keck is also relatively resistant to many common plant pests. However, some pests may still affect the plant, including:
- Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, the plant can be sprayed with a strong jet of water or treated with insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: Tiny, sap-sucking arachnids that can cause the leaves to become speckled and discolored. To manage spider mites, the plant can be sprayed with a strong jet of water or treated with a miticide.
- Caterpillars: Larvae of moths and butterflies that can cause extensive damage to the plant by feeding on leaves and flowers. To manage caterpillars, they can be physically removed from the plant or treated with a biological pesticide.
