Overview of Horkelia glandulosa Eastw.
Horkelia glandulosa Eastw., commonly known as sticky horkelia or glandular horkelia, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Rosaceae family. This plant species is native to western North America, particularly in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. It is often found in mountain regions, meadows, and dry open places.
General Appearance of Horkelia glandulosa Eastw.
The sticky horkelia plant is a perennial herb, growing up to 50 centimeters tall. It has an erect and densely hairy stem covered with glandular hairs. The leaves are basal and alternate, with blades divided into three to seven leaflets, measuring 1-5 centimeters long. The flower heads are small, measuring about 4 millimeters wide, and are arranged in elongated clusters. The flowers have five white to pink petals and five sepals. The plant produces fruits with coiled styles, measuring about 3 millimeters long.
Uses of Horkelia glandulosa Eastw.
The sticky horkelia has a few medicinal uses, particularly among some Indigenous American tribes. The tea made from the plant was used to treat menstrual cramps, general pain, and headaches. Additionally, research has shown that extracts from the plant may have antimicrobial properties. In some regions, the sticky horkelia is also cultivated as an ornamental plant and used in landscaping.
Growth Conditions for Horkelia Glandulosa Eastw.
Horkelia glandulosa Eastw., commonly known as sticky horkelia, is a small perennial herb that is found in western North America. This plant is typically found growing in rocky, open areas, often on slopes and in meadows, at elevations ranging from 1000 to 4000 meters.
Light Requirements
Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. thrives in full sun or partial shade. In its natural habitat, it is often found growing in open areas and is not well adapted to deep shade. When grown in a garden setting, it should be given at least six hours of sun per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well adapted to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate cold temperatures, as well as heat and drought. It is also tolerant of frost and can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. Ideal temperature ranges for growth are between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 5 to 10 degrees Celsius at night.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. should be well-drained with good aeration. The plant is adapted to a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and granite-derived soils. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can also tolerate moderate levels of soil salinity.
It is important to note that Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. is sensitive to disturbance and should not be transplanted or moved from its natural habitat. It is best to grow this plant from seeds or by division of mature plants.
Cultivation
Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. thrives in dry and rocky soil. It is best grown in well-draining soil, and it doesn't do well in wet, heavy soil. Choose a sunny location with nutrient-rich soil to encourage healthy growth. It can be propagated using seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. requires moderate watering. It is important to water the plant deeply but less frequently as it can tolerate drought. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and damage the plant. Avoid watering the foliage as it can invite pests and diseases.
Fertilization
Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. doesn't require much fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer high in phosphorus can be added during planting to provide the necessary nutrients. Too much nitrogen can promote leaf growth and reduce flower production.
Pruning
Pruning Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. is not necessary, but if it becomes too leggy, it can be trimmed down to encourage bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage prolonged blooming. It is important to sanitize pruning tools before use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Horkelia Glandulosa Eastw.
Horkelia Glandulosa Eastw. is typically propagated by seeds. However, with proper care and attention, it can also be propagated through stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. Seeds should be harvested in late summer or early autumn, when they have fully ripened, and stored in a cool, dry place until the start of the next growing season.
In preparation for planting, the seeds should first be subjected to a cold stratification process, which involves storing them in a moist medium in the refrigerator for a period of several weeks.
After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until germination. Germination typically occurs within several weeks to a few months, depending on the conditions and seed quality.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another option for propagating Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. This method is typically used when the parent plant is particularly desirable and cannot be propagated by division or when seeds are not available.
Cuttings should be taken in the late spring or early summer, as this is when the plant is actively growing and is therefore most likely to root successfully. The cutting should be approximately 4-6 inches long and taken from the parent plant's stem that has not yet flowered or done any reproductive activity.
The leaves on the lower portion of the cutting should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept moist and in indirect light until signs of new growth appear. Once new growth has appeared, the cutting can be gradually acclimated to brighter light and eventually transplanted into a larger container or outdoor garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Horkelia Glandulosa Eastw.
Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. is a beautiful flowering plant with delicate pink to white flowers. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. It is essential to know the common diseases and pests affecting the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases affecting the Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. are rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Rust usually causes orange spots on the leaves and stems of the plant, eventually leading to distortion and yellowing of the leaves. Powdery mildew, on the other hand, creates a white powdery finish on the leaves, spreading a layer that covers the entire leaf, eventually stopping the plant's growth. Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves resulting in the leaves' dying and falling off.
Management
To curb the prevalence of rust, remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them, ensure proper spacing between the plants to allow for adequate air circulation, and keeping the plant's foliage dry. For powdery mildew, sprinkle sulfur on the plants, remove heavily infected leaves, and ensure good air circulation and irrigation. Lastly, for leaf spot, treat the plant with appropriate fungicides.
Common Pests
The most common pests that attack Horkelia glandulosa Eastw. are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids feed on the plant sap and weaken the plant's structure, eventually causing stunted growth. Spider mites suck sap from the leaves, leaving the plants with small yellow spots that eventually cause them to dry out. Thrips, on the other hand, feed on the leaves and flower buds and cause discoloration.
Management
To manage aphids, use water and insecticidal soaps to keep them off the plant. For spider mites, remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with miticides or insecticides. For thrips, removal of the infected parts of the plant and insecticide treatment including through systemic approaches.
Overall, preventive measures such as weeding and removal of infected or affected plant parts, proper plant maintenance, and healthy plant practices including planting in areas with appropriate conditions and good soil can go a long way in promoting healthy plants
