Origin
Heterotheca oregona (Nutt.) Shinners var. scaberrima (Gray) Semple, commonly known as rough false goldenaster, is a flowering plant species native to North America. It is found primarily in the western United States and Canada, from British Columbia and Alberta south to California, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Common Names
Rough false goldenaster is also commonly referred to as Oregon false goldenaster, rough golden aster, and scabrous golden aster.
Uses
The plant has some medicinal applications in Native American traditional medicine, where it is used to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and fever. Some tribes also used it as an insect repellent.
Rough false goldenaster is generally foraged for its natural beauty and aesthetic appeal. It is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping, as it produces yellow blooms en masse.
General Appearance
Rough false goldenaster is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows to be about 30 to 80 cm tall. It has smooth stems that branch out from the base and are covered in fine, downward-pointing hairs. The leaves of this plant are alternate, simple, and 3-6cm long and covered in small hairs that give a rough feel to the touch. The plant is characterized by showy yellow flowers, each of which is about 1.5-2.5cm in diameter.
The flowers are daisy-like with yellow ray florets and yellow or orange-red disk florets, and they bloom during the late summer and autumn. Rough false goldenaster is commonly found in open fields, meadows, and along roadsides often found up to an altitude of about 10,000ft.
Light Requirements
Heterotheca oregona (Nutt.) Shinners var. scaberrima (Gray) Semple is a species that thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow and prosper. Lower light conditions may cause leggy growth and weaken the stem structure of the plant. It is not recommended to grow this species indoors, as it requires too much light and tends to get lanky.
Temperature Requirements
The species is native to regions with temperate to cool climates. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 15 and 25°C (59 - 77°F). The plant can survive frosty conditions, but it is not recommended to expose it to temperatures of -15°C (5°F) or lower.
Soil Requirements
Heterotheca oregona (Nutt.) Shinners var. scaberrima (Gray) Semple can grow in a range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic with pH in the range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate shallow soils, but it thrives in soils that are rich in nutrients. It is recommended to add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure, as it helps improve the soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation
Heterotheca oregona (Nutt.) Shinners var. scaberrima (Gray) Semple is a resilient and adaptable plant that thrives in most soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. The plant grows best in regions with full sun exposure, but it can also tolerate part shade.
The ideal temperature range for Heterotheca oregona (Nutt.) Shinners var. scaberrima (Gray) Semple is between 50 and 80°F, although it can endure temperature fluctuations outside of this range.
In terms of planting, the plant can be sowed directly in the garden after the threat of frost has passed or in containers indoors before transplanting outdoors.
Watering Needs
Heterotheca oregona (Nutt.) Shinners var. scaberrima (Gray) Semple requires moderate watering, and the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The plant is drought-resistant, so it can survive longer periods without water. It's advisable to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening and to avoid watering in the heat of the day when the water is likely to evaporate quickly.
Fertilization
Heterotheca oregona (Nutt.) Shinners var. scaberrima (Gray) Semple doesn't require much fertilizer. Adding compost to the soil before planting is usually sufficient. However, you can incorporate slow-release fertilizers into the soil in the early spring.
Pruning
Pruning of Heterotheca oregona (Nutt.) Shinners var. scaberrima (Gray) Semple is minimal, and the plant generally doesn't require any shaping or pruning unless particular stems or branches have been damaged or diseased. If necessary, prune damaged or diseased branches back to healthy growth points with clean, sharp pruning tools.
Propagation of Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima
Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima is a perennial plant that can be propagated through different methods. Here are some of the common propagation techniques:
Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima is through its seeds. The plant produces many small seeds that require light in order to germinate. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. Place the pots in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. The seeds require a temperature of 20-25°C to germinate, which can take 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings are big enough, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division
Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima can also be propagated through division. Divide the clumps of the plant using a sharp knife or shovel. Make sure that each division has a healthy root system and a good amount of foliage. Plant the divisions in a new location and water them well. Dividing the plant is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing.
Cuttings
Another option for propagating Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima is through stem cuttings. Take 5-7 cm cuttings from the plant's stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cuttings and place them in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist and the humidity high until roots form, which can take 3-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Heterotheca oregona is vulnerable to foliar diseases such as Rust, Powdery mildew, and Botrytis blight. Rust causes yellowing of leaves and finally leads them to fall. Powdery mildew leads to distorted leaf growth and a whitish-grey coating on the leaves. Botrytis blight causes grey mold on the leaves, and the leaves start to rot.
To manage Rust, it is recommended to prune infected leaves and apply fungicides. For Powdery mildew, increase air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead sprinkle irrigation, and use fungicides. Botrytis blight can be managed by removing infected leaves and providing proper ventilation to prevent the incidence of the disease. Fungicides can also be used for control.
Pest Management
The common pests that might affect Heterotheca oregona are Aphids, Spider mites, and Thrips. These pests feed on the leaves and suck the sap from the plant, causing leaves to mottle and wilt. Spider mites make webs on the leaves, thrips cause scar-like browning on leaves, and aphids produce honeydew that attracts ants and encourages the growth of Sooty mold.
To manage these pests, it is advised to use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on these pests. Prune and remove infected leaves and use insect screens to prevent pests from entering the growing area. Regularly inspect the plants for early detection of any pest infestation to ensure prompt action.
