Plant Description
Hackelia deflexa (Wahlenb.) Opiz var. americana (Gray) Fern. & I.M. Johnston, commonly known as American stickseed, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that grows up to 1-3 feet tall.
Plant Origin and Distribution
American stickseed is native to North America and can be found in various locations including Canada and the United States. It is commonly found in open woods, meadows, and along streams.
Common Names
American stickseed is commonly known by several names such as American bur-weed, western stickseed, curlycup stickseed, and Rocky Mountain stickseed.
Plant Uses
American stickseed has several uses, including medicinal and ornamental purposes. The plant contains essential oils that have antirheumatic and diuretic properties, making it useful in treating urinary disorders and rheumatism. The plant's roots can be brewed to make tea that can help relieve headaches and arthritis. Additionally, the plant is sometimes used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes because of its unique appearance.
General Appearance
The American stickseed plant has a unique appearance with its spiny, bur-like fruits that stick to clothing and fur, a feature that gives it its common name. The plant's stem is covered with rigid spines, and the leaves are narrow, elongated, and alternate. The plant's flowers are small and tubular, growing in clusters at the end of the stem, and are typically blue to violet in color. Overall, American stickseed is a beautiful and useful plant that adds to the diversity of North American flora.
Light Requirements
Hackelia deflexa var. americana requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. However, it prefers partial shade during the hottest hours of the day in areas with high temperatures.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in moderate to cool temperature ranges, but it can survive in hot regions if it is provided with sufficient water and partial shade. It can tolerate mild frost but not extreme cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Hackelia deflexa var. americana grows best in well-drained soils that are moist and rich in organic matter. It also prefers medium to coarse-textured soils that can hold moisture while still providing proper aeration. The plant does not grow well in poorly drained soil or in soil that is compacted or heavy in clay content.
Cultivation methods
Hackelia deflexa (Wahlenb.) Opiz var. americana (Gray) Fern. & I.M. Johnston, commonly known as American stickseed, is a hardy plant that can survive in almost any well-draining soil. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH level between 5.0 to 7.0, and it thrives in full to partial sun exposure. It is best to grow these plants from seeds, and they can be propagated either indoors or directly in a garden bed.Watering needs
American stickseed plants require moderate watering throughout the growing season. They should be watered deeply once a week, especially during dry spells, to ensure proper hydration. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering.Fertilization
Hackelia deflexa (Wahlenb.) Opiz var. americana (Gray) Fern. & I.M. Johnston plants do not require frequent fertilization as they can rely on the nutrients in the soil. However, it is recommended to add a slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.Pruning
Pruning American stickseed plants is not necessary, as they have a naturally attractive shape and do not require shaping. However, pruning spent flowers and stems can promote new growth and encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Cut back the plant by one-third after the first bloom in the growing season to encourage reblooming. Additionally, cut back any damaged or diseased stems as soon as they are noticed to prevent the spread of diseases.Propagation of Hackelia deflexa var. americana
Hackelia deflexa var. americana is a herbaceous perennial native to North America. The plant is commonly propagated by seed or division.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Hackelia deflexa var. americana can be sown indoors in late winter or early spring. The seeds require stratification to break their dormancy. To stratify the seeds, store them in a moist medium at a temperature of 40-50°F for 6-8 weeks. After stratification, sow the seeds in a seed-starting mix and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate in 2-4 weeks.
Division propagation
Hackelia deflexa var. americana can also be propagated by dividing the plant. The best time to divide the plant is in early spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy stem and root system. Replant the sections in their desired location and water thoroughly.
Disease Management
Hackelia deflexa var. americana is known to be affected by several diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Leaf spot: The disease is a fungal infection and causes spotting on the leaves. To prevent leaf spot, it is best to supplement the plant with proper irrigation, drainage, and airflow. Applying fungicide spray may also help in controlling the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew: This is another fungal infection that forms a white powdery layer on the plant leaves. The best way to avoid powdery mildew is by keeping the plant free from excess moisture and preventing overcrowding. The use of fungicide may also help in reducing the spread of the disease.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by pathogenic microorganisms that invade the plant root system causing decay. Overwatering and poor drainage are the leading causes of root rot. To manage root rot, it is essential to improve the drainage system of the plant and reduce watering instances. If the plant is already affected by root rot, it is best to uproot it and dispose of it to avoid further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Two types of pests that can affect Hackelia deflexa var. americana are spider mites and aphids.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that prefer to feed on the plant's leaves. They can cause discoloration and deformation of the leaves, which can significantly affect the plant's health. To manage spider mites, using insecticidal soap or simply washing the plant with water can help in controlling their population.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap out of plant leaves. They are known to transmit plant viruses, which can eventually lead to the plant's death. To manage aphids, spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or using ladybugs, which are their natural predators, can help control their population.
