Origin
The Heterotheca nervosa (Willd.) Shinners var. microcephala (Small) Shinners ex Ahles belongs to the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the sunflower family. This plant is native to North America, specifically found in the southeastern United States region, ranging from Texas to Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Common Names
This plant has several common names, including smallhead goldenaster, smooth false goldenaster, stiff-leaved goldenaster, and slender-leaved goldenaster.
Uses
The Heterotheca nervosa (Willd.) Shinners var. microcephala (Small) Shinners ex Ahles has a few traditional medicinal uses. Native American tribes would use the plant to treat respiratory illnesses like coughs and colds, stomach pains, and as a poultice for sores and rashes.
The plant's small and delicate bright-yellow flowers can add beauty and color to gardens and landscapes. It's also excellent as a ground cover or for erosion control due to its spreading habit.
General Appearance
The Heterotheca nervosa (Willd.) Shinners var. microcephala (Small) Shinners ex Ahles has a small and bushy stature, growing up to 2-3 feet tall. Its leaves have a smooth and shiny texture, with a solid green appearance.
This plant's most striking feature is its small yellow flowers that bloom in clusters like daisies, with dark-yellow centers. The flowers have a mild fragrance, which adds a pleasing aroma to gardens and landscapes. This plant blooms from September through December and performs best in full sun to partial shade environments.
The smallhead goldenaster is a visually appealing plant that also has traditional medicinal uses, making it an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.
Growth Conditions for Heterotheca Nervosa var. Microcephala
Light Requirements: Heterotheca nervosa var. microcephala thrives in full sun exposure. This plant grows in open habitats such as fields, meadows, and prairies where it is exposed to full sunlight for a substantial part of the day. Thus, planting Heterotheca nervosa var. microcephala in areas with plenty of sunlight is highly recommended.
Temperature: The plant is adapted to various climatic conditions and can grow in different regions with varying temperatures. However, it prefers warm and dry climates, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 80°F. Heterotheca nervosa var. microcephala is native to North America and occurs commonly in states such as Texas and Oklahoma where the temperature during the growing season meets its preference.
Soil Requirements: The plant's ideal soil is sandy-loam that has good drainage and is slightly acidic. Heterotheca nervosa var. microcephala can tolerate soils that are low in organic matter, but it does not thrive in soils that have poor drainage. It is best to avoid planting this variety in areas with high clay content or where mud accumulates during rainfall. The pH range for the ideal soil is between 5.5 and 6.5.
Furthermore, planting Heterotheca nervosa var. microcephala at the end of the rainy season provides optimal growing conditions. Adequate moisture in the soil is critical during the plant establishment period since it promotes growth and early establishment. However, once the plant is established, it can tolerate dry conditions and drought.
Cultivation
Heterotheca nervosa (Willd.) Shinners var. microcephala (Small) Shinners ex Ahles is a plant that requires well-drained soil to grow adequately. It is recommended to plant this species in an area that receives full sun or partial shade. The plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings, and it is advisable to plant them during spring or early summer.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, and it is vital to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant once a week, and during extreme heat, it is necessary to increase the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Heterotheca nervosa (Willd.) Shinners var. microcephala (Small) Shinners ex Ahles since it is adaptable to harsh conditions. However, if needed, you can fertilize the plant with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once in the spring.
Pruning
Heterotheca nervosa (Willd.) Shinners var. microcephala (Small) Shinners ex Ahles is a low maintenance plant that does not require pruning. However, if the plant becomes leggy, you can cut back the stems once after the blooming season.
Propagation of Heterotheca nervosa var. microcephala
Heterotheca nervosa var. microcephala is a herbaceous perennial subshrub commonly found in coastal plain forests and wet pine savannas in the southeastern US. The plant is commonly propagated by seed and division.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common and easiest method of producing a large number of plants. The seed can be collected from the mature plant when the seed heads turn brown and dry. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until it's time to plant. Heterotheca nervosa var. microcephala seeds require stratification, which is the process of subjecting the seeds to moist cold temperatures. This can be achieved by mixing the seeds with moist sand or vermiculite and placing them in the refrigerator for eight weeks before planting. The seed can then be sown indoors or outdoors in the late winter or early spring.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division involves separating the root ball of an established Heterotheca nervosa var. microcephala plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is ideal for established plants that have outgrown their space or need rejuvenation. The best time to divide the plant is in the early spring before the new growth appears or in the late fall after the plant has gone dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and use clean, sharp tools to divide the root ball into sections, ensuring each section has at least one shoot and a healthy root system. Replant the divided sections immediately in prepared soil with good drainage and water thoroughly.
Propagation of Heterotheca nervosa var. microcephala is relatively easy using either method, and the plant can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Disease Management
Heterotheca nervosa is generally a hardy plant and not frequently affected by diseases. However, it can be prone to fungal infections such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.
To manage leaf spot, it's important to keep foliage dry by avoiding overhead watering and watering at the base of the plant. Remove infected leaves and debris from the planting area and avoid overcrowding. Fungicidal sprays can be used during the growing season, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Powdery mildew can be managed by avoiding overhead watering and providing adequate air circulation around the plant. Fungicidal sprays can also be applied, and pruning infected plant parts can be effective in controlling the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Heterotheca nervosa is not commonly affected by pests, but some insects can occasionally cause damage to the plant. The most common pests include aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Aphids can be managed by washing them off with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can also be introduced to the planting area.
Spider mites can be managed by washing the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Predatory mites can also be introduced to the planting area to control the populations of spider mites.
Thrips can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil, or by applying sticky traps around the planting area. Beneficial insects like minute pirate bugs can also be introduced to the planting area to control thrips.
