Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John
Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John is a plant species that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. This plant is native to North America, and it can be found in various regions including the northeastern and northcentral United States.
Common Names
This particular plant species is commonly known as the rough hawkweed. It is also known by some other common names such as yellow devil, yellow king-devil, and king devil hawkweed.
Uses
The Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John plant is not widely used for medicinal purposes, but some Native American tribes have used it to treat various ailments such as toothache, fever, and rheumatism.
Moreover, this plant is used as an ornamental plant due to its bright yellow flowers and its ability to thrive in various environmental conditions. Additionally, it is sometimes used in erosion control and reclamation of disturbed habitats.
General Appearance
The Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John plant is a perennial herb that can grow up to 80 cm tall. It has dark green leaves that are oblong and can grow up to 20 cm long. The stem of this plant is hairy and has multiple branches.
The flowering period of the Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John plant usually occurs in late spring or early summer. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are about 2 cm in diameter. These flowers are arranged in small clusters at the top of the stem.
After flowering, the plant produces fruit in the form of achenes. These achenes are small and brown and have hairs at their base, which helps in their dispersal by wind.
Light Requirements
Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. This plant requires plenty of light to grow properly, however, scorching heat can also affect it.
Temperature Requirements
Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John needs cool temperatures to grow, and usually grows well in temperate climates. The ideal temperature range for the growth of this plant species is approximately 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John should be well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic. It should also be rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 to 6.5. Sandy or clay soils may not be suitable for the growth of this plant.
Cultivation Methods for Hieracium Scabrum Michx. var. Intonsum Fern. & St. John
Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John, also known as rough hawkweed, is a perennial plant that grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. The plant prefers well-drained soil, with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. It grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The plant spreads vigorously and can become invasive, so always consider this before planting.
Watering Needs for Hieracium Scabrum Michx. var. Intonsum Fern. & St. John
Watering needs for the rough hawkweed are minimal, and the plant has a high tolerance for drought. Water the plant only when the top inch of the soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so always ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Fertilization for Hieracium Scabrum Michx. var. Intonsum Fern. & St. John
Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John does not require heavy fertilization. However, it will benefit from a light application of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid overfertilization, as it can cause the plant to produce weak growth that is prone to disease.
Pruning Hieracium Scabrum Michx. var. Intonsum Fern. & St. John
To prevent the plant from becoming invasive, prune it regularly. Deadhead the spent flowers to prevent self-seeding. Use clean, sharp shears to remove any dead or damaged stems. Prune the plant in the fall after it finishes flowering. Cut back the stems to 2 to 3 inches above the soil line, making sure not to damage the crown of the plant.
Propagation of Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John
Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John, commonly known as rough hawkweed, can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces viable seeds that can be collected from the matured flower heads. To propagate the plant through sexual means, collect the seeds by harvesting the flowers in the morning when they are dry. Spread the seeds on a seed tray filled with soil and cover it with a thin layer of sand. Water the tray and keep it under indirect sunlight. The seeds will germinate within a few weeks.
Asexual Propagation
The plant can also be propagated by asexual methods such as division, cuttings, and layering.
Division: Divide the plant during spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Dig up the roots and carefully pull them apart. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil.
Cuttings: Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a matured stem from the parent plant. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, and make a clean cut at the bottom. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Place the pot under indirect sunlight and water it regularly. The cutting will develop roots within a few weeks.
Layering: Identify a healthy shoot from the plant and make a small incision on the lower node. Bend the incised node down to the soil level, and cover it with soil. Water the soil regularly and provide indirect sunlight. The node will produce roots within a few weeks, after which it can be separated from the parent plant and planted elsewhere.
Disease Management
Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John is susceptible to a few diseases that can limit its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spots are common diseases in Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John. It is characterized by small, circular to angular spots on the leaves, which may be dark brown with a yellow halo. To manage this disease, remove infected plants or plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease. Ensure that the plants have good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering that promotes leaf moisture. Use fungicides that are effective against leaf spot to control the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another common disease in Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John. It appears as a white, powdery fungus on the leaves and stems of the plant. Remove infected leaves and stems and maintain good air circulation around the plants as this reduces humidity levels which deter powdery mildew growth. You may want to use a fungicide if the problem persists; choose a product with active ingredients effective against powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John also faces several pest problems. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites can cause severe damage to the foliage by sucking the leaves' sap which damages the plant's cells. Leaves will appear stippled yellow with webbing present in severe cases. To manage spider mites, spray the plants with water to blast off the spider mites off the leaves. Additionally, you can introduce predatory insects as biological control such as ladybugs, lacewings and praying mantis. Use of insecticides should be a last resort as it poses harm to beneficial insects.
Cutworms
Cutworms feed on the tender parts of the plant such as the stem around the soil line, and may cause the plant to wilt. Control cutworms by applying a barrier and deterrent around the base of each plant. Beer traps, using cornmeal, or diatomaceous earth can discourage cutworms from feeding or kill them. Pesticides can be used, but it's best to apply them during late afternoons or evenings when these moths are most active.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails love to feed on Hieracium scabrum Michx. var. intonsum Fern. & St. John leaves and stems at night. You will observe slimy trails if they are present. To control these pests, remove accumulated debris around the plant's base to reduce possible hiding places. Handpicking and removing them manually can also be effective. You may wish to place traps around the garden with beer or yeast as bait. Use of iron-based baits can be beneficial in reducing their population.
