Plant Description:
Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid., also known as large-stolon hawkweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves and produces yellow flowers in an inflorescence that is borne on a stem. The leaves are deeply lobed and hairy, and the stem grows up to 90 cm tall.
Origin:
The large-stolon hawkweed is a hybrid of Hieracium aurantiacum and Hieracium sabaudum. It is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to North America and other parts of the world. The plant is considered an invasive species in some areas due to its ability to spread rapidly and outcompete native plant species.
Common Names:
Large-stolon hawkweed is commonly known by a number of names, including king-devil, devil's paintbrush, and orange hawkweed.
Uses:
The large-stolon hawkweed has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, as it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, the plant should not be consumed as it may cause allergic reactions in some people. In recent years, the plant has been used in some landscaping as a decorative plant.
General Appearance:
The large-stolon hawkweed has a distinct appearance, with a bright orange to yellow flower head that is composed of small disk florets. The stem of the plant is hairy and rough to the touch. The leaves of the plant are deeply lobed with toothed edges and are a dull green color. The plant spreads by sending out runners or stolons, which can root and form new plants.
Light Requirements
The Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. requires plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. It grows best in an area with partial shade, receiving around 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. If exposed to too much direct sunlight, the leaves may dry and yellow.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to cool, temperate climates and prefers a temperature range of 15-22°C (59-72°F). It can tolerate temperatures slightly above or below this range, but extreme heat or cold can cause significant damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. requires moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients, and should not be waterlogged or too sandy. Adding compost or other organic material to the soil can help with moisture retention and nutrient availability.
Cultivation methods for Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid.
Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid., commonly known as the Large-stolon Hawkweed, can be cultivated in either full sun or partial shade. It does best in moist, well-drained soils, but can also grow in most soil types. The plant can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means, such as division or stem cuttings.
Watering needs for Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid.
Watering needs for Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. depend on the soil type, weather, and time of year. Generally, the plant requires regular watering during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During periods of drought, the plant may require more frequent watering to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
Fertilization of Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid.
Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. does not require heavy fertilization. Fertilization should be done sparingly and only during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Fertilizers high in nitrogen should be avoided as they can promote excessive foliage growth and inhibit flowering. Organic fertilizers or slow-release fertilizers can be used to avoid potential nutrient leaching or burn.
Pruning of Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid.
Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. does not require extensive pruning. Regular deadheading of spent flowers can encourage prolonged blooming. The plant can also be pruned back in the late fall to early spring before new growth appears. This can help to control the size of the plant and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid.
Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. is a plant that can be propagated in various ways:
Division
One of the easiest ways to propagate Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. is through division. This is done by separating the root ball of the plant into smaller parts, each with its own set of leaves.
The best time to divide Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. is in spring before new growth appears.
Cutting
Another way to propagate Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. is through stem cuttings. This involves taking a stem from the parent plant and planting it in soil or water until it develops new roots and shoots.
The best time to take cuttings is in the summer, when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, vigorous stems and should be about 6 inches long.
Seed
Propagation by seed is also possible for Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. Seeds should be sown in the spring or fall in well-draining soil. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until they sprout.
It is important to note that Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. is a hybrid plant, and seeds collected from it may not produce plants with the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it is important to keep the newly propagated plants well-watered and protected from extreme temperatures until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid.
Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. is generally a low-maintenance plant and is disease and pest resistant. However, certain factors such as environmental stress, soil conditions, and lack of care may make the plant susceptible to diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that may affect Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant, which can eventually cause the leaves to wilt and die. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove the affected parts of the plant carefully and dispose of them properly. Also, avoid watering the plant from above and instead water at the base to avoid creating a humid environment. Applying a fungicide may also help control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that may affect Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. is rust, a fungal disease that appears as black or orange spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage rust, it is important to remove the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Additionally, avoid watering at night, as the excess moisture may promote the spread of the disease. Applying a fungicide may also help control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that may affect Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. is aphids. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and curling of leaves. To manage aphids, it is important to remove the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Additionally, introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings may help control the spread of aphids.
Another pest that may affect Hieracium ×macrostolonum Schneid. is spider mites. These tiny pests spin webs on the plant and can cause leaves to turn yellow and die. To manage spider mites, it is important to remove the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Additionally, keep the plant well-watered and avoid over-fertilizing, as these factors can make the plant more susceptible to spider mites. Applying a miticide may also help control the spread of the pest.
