Description of Heuchera hispida auct. non Pursh
Heuchera hispida auct. non Pursh is a plant native to North America. It is commonly known as the hispid alumroot or hairy alumroot. The plant is a perennial herb from the Saxifragaceae family and has many uses in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant.
General Appearance
The hispid alumroot grows up to a height of 50 cm and has a spread of about 40 cm. It has a basal rosette of deep-green, lobed, and rounded leaves, which can grow up to 10 cm in diameter. The leaves are covered in long hairs, giving the plant its distinctive "hairy" appearance. The plant produces clusters of pink to red flowers on long, thin stems that bloom from June to August.
Uses
The hispid alumroot has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Native American tribes used the plant to treat a variety of ailments, such as coughs, sore throats, and wounds. The plant contains tannins, which have astringent properties and can help reduce inflammation. The leaves of the plant can be used to make a tea or poultice for external use on wounds and ulcers.
The hispid alumroot is also a popular ornamental plant, frequently grown in gardens. The plant is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun to partial shade. It is often used in rock gardens or as a groundcover because of its low-growing habit and the attractive foliage. The plant can also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to the garden.
In conclusion, Heuchera hispida auct. non Pursh is a versatile plant with many uses. Its distinctive hairy leaves make it an attractive addition to the garden, and its medicinal properties make it a valuable asset for natural remedies.
Light Requirements
Heuchera hispida requires partial to full shade for optimal growth. Intense direct sunlight can damage the foliage and dry out the soil too quickly. It is recommended to place the plant in an east or north-facing window if it is grown indoors. In outdoor settings, it can be grown under the canopy of trees or in shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Heuchera hispida is between 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C). The plant can tolerate lower temperatures in the range of 40 to 50°F (4 to 10°C) but not for extended periods. Higher temperatures can cause heat stress and increase the rate of evaporation, leading to the drying out of the soil.
Soil Requirements
Heuchera hispida prefers well-draining soils that are high in organic matter. The pH range of the soil should be between 6.0 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. In outdoor settings, the plant can be grown in sandy or loamy soils, while in indoor settings, a potting mix that includes peat moss or perlite can be used. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Heuchera hispida auct. non Pursh, commonly known as hairy alumroot, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the saxifrage family. It is native to North America and is typically found growing in rocky slopes, dry meadows, and open woods. To cultivate, the plant requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant needs to be grown in areas that have full to partial sun, but its preferable location should have a shade during hot afternoons.
Watering needs
Hairy alumroots need moderate watering, but watering should be deep and infrequent. The plant should be watered once or twice a week in the hottest months or when the topsoil seems dry about 1 inch into the soil. Care should be taken not to let the plant sit in water, which can lead to root damage. Adequate drainage of soil can go a long way in ensuring the health of the plant.
Fertilization
Heuchera hispida auct. non Pursh can benefit from fertilization applications. Fertilizer should be added to the plant every two to three weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to encourage blooms and overall growth. It’s essential to ensure that you follow the recommended amount indicated on the fertilizer package as excessive application can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential care measure to encourage air circulation, prevent diseases, and promote bushier plants. Heuchera hispida auct. non Pursh should be pruned in the early spring after winter dormancy. The process involves removing dead or damaged stems, leaves, and flowers. The tips of the plant can also be trimmed to promote the development of bushier growth and induce new blooms. But be careful not to cut too much from the roots as this can kill the plant.
Propagation of Heuchera hispida auct. non Pursh
Heuchera hispida auct. non Pursh, commonly known as hairy alumroot or rough leaf alumroot, is an ornamental perennial plant that can be propagated in different ways.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is the easiest and most common method for propagating Heuchera hispida. It involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots, and replanting them.
The best time to divide Heuchera hispida is in early spring when the new growth begins to emerge. Carefully dig up the entire plant, and use a sharp knife or garden spade to cut the root ball into several sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and an adequate root system.
Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mixture, and water them thoroughly. During the first few weeks after planting, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist to help the new plants establish their roots.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another effective method for propagating Heuchera hispida. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a mature plant and rooting it in soil or water.
In early summer, take a stem cutting that is 3-4 inches long, and remove the leaves from the bottom third of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in moist soil or water.
If you choose to root the cutting in soil, place a plastic bag over the pot to create a mini greenhouse. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. In about 2-3 weeks, you should start to see new growth, which indicates that the cutting has rooted successfully.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is possible with Heuchera hispida, but it is not often used since the plant does not come true from seed. This means that the seedlings will not look exactly like the parent plant.
To propagate the plant by seeds, collect the seed pods from the mature plant in late summer or early fall. Allow the seeds to dry completely, and then store them in a cool, dry location until the following spring.
In the spring, sow the seeds in containers or directly into the garden soil. Cover them with a light layer of soil, and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. It can take several weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Note that seed-grown plants may exhibit a wide range of variations in leaf color, size, and shape, so propagation by division or cuttings is often a better choice if you want to maintain the characteristics of the parent plant.
Disease Management
Heuchera hispida is typically a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, there are still a few diseases that could prove problematic, including:
- Powdery Mildew: One of the most common fungal diseases, powdery mildew can be identified by the powdery white substance that appears on the leaves. It is caused by high humidity and can be managed by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering.
- Crown Rot: This fungal disease appears as a water-soaked lesion at the base of the plant, which eventually rots the plant's crown. Crown rot is caused by overly wet soil and can be managed by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering the plant.
Pest Management
While Heuchera hispida is also resistant to most pests, there are a few that could prove problematic for this plant, including:
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can be identified by their slimy trails and damage to the leaves. They can be managed by placing copper tape around the plant or using slug bait.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that are typically found on the underside of leaves. They can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves and can be managed by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Vine Weevils: These pests are identified by the notches they create along the plant's leaves' edges. Vine weevils are active at night, making them difficult to spot, but they can be managed by placing sticky traps around the plant or using a commercial pesticide.
Regularly inspecting Heuchera hispida for signs of disease or pest infestation is crucial to overall plant health. Early identification and management of potential problems can prevent major issues from developing and ensure the continued vitality of the plant.
