Origin
Hosackia stipularis Benth. ssp. balsamifera (Kellogg) Abrams is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to California, particularly the Sierra Nevada and the Central Valley region.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as balsam-rooted lotus, Balsam lotus, and Sierra trefoil.
Uses
The Native Americans have been using Hosackia stipularis Benth. ssp. balsamifera for medicinal purposes. Its roots can be used as a treatment for coughs, tuberculosis, and venereal diseases. The plant is also used in making a beverage that is believed to be a laxative.
It is also used as a food crop by the Native Americans. The seeds are boiled, roasted, or made into flour for cakes or bread.
General Appearance
Hosackia stipularis Benth. ssp. balsamifera is a perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet high or more. The plant usually has many stems that are covered with fine hairs and stipules. Its leaves are deciduous, pinnately compound, and arranged alternately along the stem. Its flowers appear in clusters of two to five, and they are typically yellow, red, or purple. The plant produces brown and pubescent pods that contain several seeds.
Light Requirements
Hosackia stipularis Benth. ssp. balsamifera requires full sun exposure to grow properly. The plant cannot thrive in shaded areas as it needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight to maintain its health.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in areas with moderate temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). The minimum temperature required for growth is 10°C (50°F), while the maximum tolerable limit is 40°C (104°F) for short periods.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained soils with low to medium fertility levels. It prefers sandy or loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should not be waterlogged as the plant cannot tolerate wet feet. Additionally, the soil should be rich in organic matter and have good drainage, which makes it easier for the roots to absorb nutrients and water.
Cultivation Methods
The Hosackia stipularis Benth. spp. balsamifera (Kellogg) Abrams is a low-maintenance perennial plant that thrives in full sun and requires dry to moderately-wet soil that is well-drained. When cultivating the plant, it is advisable to plant the seeds or transplant seedlings in early-spring to allow the plant enough time to establish its root system before the summer heat sets in.
Although this plant can tolerate minimal levels of shade, it is always best to plant them in areas where they can have access to at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Cultivating Hosackia stipularis Benth. spp. balsamifera (Kellogg) Abrams in appropriate areas and soil types can help the plant to adapt to its environment and grow into a more substantial bush.
Watering Needs
The Hosackia stipularis Benth. spp. balsamifera (Kellogg) Abrams requires watering in moderation to avoid waterlogging its roots. Watering the plant once every week is a good place to start, but it ultimately depends on the weather conditions in your area.
During the hot and dry weather, it is advisable to increase watering frequency to about twice or thrice a week, but ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot. On the other hand, the plant can cope with less watering when grown in areas with sufficient moisture content. As such, it is important to monitor the soil moisture in the plant's environment regularly.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is a key component to cultivating a healthy Hosackia stipularis Benth. spp. balsamifera (Kellogg) Abrams plant. The most optimal time for applying fertilizer is during the active growth season, which starts in early spring and continues up to late summer.
A balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio of 10-10-10 is the most recommended for this plant. Fertilizer application should occur every two to four weeks, depending on the plants' response to previously applied fertilizer and the soil nutrient content at the time of application.
Pruning
The Hosackia stipularis Benth. spp. balsamifera (Kellogg) Abrams generally do not require pruning, as it can grow to an average height of one meter with a spread of about 80cm. However, it is best to inspect the plant routinely to identify dead, diseased, or damaged branches that might be affecting the plant's growth and remove them as necessary.
Pruning is also carried out to maintain the bush's shape by cutting back the plants' tips at the end of the growing season. This will also help to prevent self-seeding and create a more beautiful display when the plant blooming restores in the next season.
Propagation of Hosackia stipularis Benth. ssp. balsamifera (Kellogg) Abrams
Hosackia stipularis Benth. ssp. balsamifera (Kellogg) Abrams commonly known as Balsamroot is mainly propagated through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the mother plants and sown immediately after ripening. It is recommended to sow the seeds within a week of ripening.
One can also obtain the seeds commercially from seed suppliers or nurseries. Before sowing the seeds, they need to be scarified to enhance germination. Scarification can be done by soaking the seeds in warm water overnight, or by nicking the seed coat with a sharp knife.
Balsamroot requires well-drained soil, and the seeds should be sown in the autumn. The recommended depth of sowing the seed is between 6mm to 12mm. After sowing the seeds, cover with a layer of soil and water well.
Another method of propagation is through stem cuttings, but it is not commonly used. Stem cuttings can be taken in the spring and placed in sandy soil mixed with peat moss and kept in a warm, moist environment until roots form.
Disease Management
Hosackia stipularis Benth. ssp. balsamifera is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. Common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Root rot caused by the Fusarium oxysporum fungal pathogen
- Leaf spot caused by the fungal pathogen Phoma exigua
- Powdery mildew caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe cichoracearum
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene by removing any plant debris or infected plant material. Soil should be allowed to dry out between watering to prevent the buildup of moisture that can promote the growth of fungal pathogens. Fungicides can be used as a preventative measure to control the spread of disease.
Pest Management
Hosackia stipularis Benth. ssp. balsamifera is also susceptible to several pests that can damage the plant. Common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Thrips
- Caterpillars
Pests can be controlled by regularly inspecting the plant for signs of infestation and using insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural and effective means of pest control. In severe cases, chemical insecticides should be used as a last resort.
