Origin and Common Names
Hackelia diffusa (Lehm.) I.M. Johnston var. arida (Piper) R.L. Carr, commonly known as Mojave stickseed, is a plant species in the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the western United States, including Nevada, California, and Arizona. This annual plant grows in dry, sandy soils in desert and chaparral habitats.
General Appearance
Mojave stickseed grows up to 40 cm in height, with spiny, hairy stems and leaves. The leaves are lance-shaped and have wavy margins. The flowers are small, blue to purple, and appear in clusters on the upper part of the stem. The fruit is a prickly bur covered with hooked bristles that attach to clothing and animal fur for dispersal.
Uses
Despite its sticky bur, Mojave stickseed has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. The plant was used to treat coughs and colds, as well as skin conditions and infections. It contains alkaloids and glycosides that may have therapeutic properties. Mojave stickseed is also a valuable food source for wildlife such as birds and small mammals.
Growth Conditions for Hackelia diffusa (Lehm.) I.M. Johnston var. arida (Piper) R.L. Carr
Light: Hackelia diffusa var. arida grows best in partial to full sunlight. However, it is important to note that excessive sunlight exposure can cause heat stress and damage to the plant.
Temperature: This plant species is adapted to a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (15.5-23.8°C) during the growing season. During the winter months, temperatures should remain above 40°F (4°C) to prevent damage to the plant.
Soil: Hackelia diffusa var. arida prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. Sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 5.5-7.5 are ideal for this plant. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged as overly wet conditions can promote fungal growth and root rot in the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Hackelia diffusa (Lehm.) I.M. Johnston var. arida (Piper) R.L. Carr, commonly known as Douglas' stickseed, is a plant species that can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 6-9. It is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in moist, well-draining soils or dry, rocky soils. The seeds of the plant can be sown directly in the garden in the spring, or indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. When planting outdoors, space the seeds 12-18 inches apart and cover them with a thin layer of soil.Watering Needs
Douglas' stickseed is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week during the dry periods. However, avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization
Douglas' stickseed can grow well without excessive fertilization, but adding a slow-release, balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season can give it an extra boost. A balanced fertilizer has equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can cause excess leaf growth at the expense of flower production.Pruning
Douglas' stickseed is not a plant that requires extensive pruning. However, it is useful to remove dead or damaged branches and stems to prevent disease and improve air circulation. Regularly deadheading or removing spent flowers can encourage more blooming. Additionally, the plant can be cut back to the ground in late fall or early spring to encourage fresh growth.Propagation methods for Hackelia diffusa (Lehm.) I.M. Johnston var. arida (Piper) R.L. Carr
Hackelia diffusa (Lehm.) I.M. Johnston var. arida (Piper) R.L. Carr, commonly known as spreading stickseed, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to North America and is found in arid regions of the western United States.
Propagation of spreading stickseed can be done through seeds or by dividing the plants.
Propagation by seeds:
Seeds of spreading stickseed can be collected from mature plants in the fall. These seeds must be stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. The seeds can be planted in pots or directly in the ground in the spring when the soil temperature reaches about 55°F.
The planting depth for spreading stickseed seeds should be about 1/8 inch deep. The plants should be watered regularly until they establish themselves.
Propagation by division:
Dividing spreading stickseed plants can be done in the spring or fall. It involves gently digging up the plant and separating the root clumps into smaller sections. These sections should have at least one growth point and a healthy root system.
The newly divided sections should be planted immediately in their new location and watered regularly until they establish themselves.
Both propagation methods for spreading stickseed are relatively easy and can yield good results when done correctly.
Disease Management
The plant Hackelia diffusa var. arida is generally healthy, but like any other plant, it may be susceptible to various diseases. Some of the common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by Phytophthora fungi, which leads to rotted roots, yellowing leaves, and wilting. To prevent root rot, avoid over-watering and ensure proper drainage. If the disease is already present, remove the infected plant parts and apply fungicide to the remaining plant.
- Fungal Leaf Spots: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens such as Cercospora, Alternaria, or Septoria, which can cause irregular spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage fungal leaf spots, remove infected plant regions and dispose of them appropriately. Irrigate the plant from underneath rather than use overhead irrigation or plant where foliage can dry before nightfall.
- Viral Diseases: A virus may cause distorted growth, yellowing or curling of leaves, stunted plants, and plant death. Infected plants must be removed and disposed of carefully to prevent further infection.
Pest Management
This plant may also be susceptible to various pests that can cause damage or even death to the plant. The pests that may affect this plant include:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow, lose vigor, and even die. Prune the affected plant parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pest.
- Thrips: Thrips feed on the plant's leaves, petals and create irregular brown and silvery blotches on the leaves. To control thrips, use sticky traps or insecticidal soap to repel them. You could also encourage natural enemies such as predators or parasitic wasps.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can cause considerable damage to leaves and stems, leaving ragged holes in the plant. Use copper or diatomaceous earth to repel slugs and snails or handpick them away when observed.
