Overview
Isocoma acradenia (Greene) Greene var. eremophila (Greene) Nesom, commonly known as the goldenbush, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to California and Arizona in the United States and is commonly found in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.Appearance
The goldenbush plant typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and has a spread of around 2-3 feet. It has narrow, gray-green leaves that are sticky to the touch. The plant produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that are around 1 inch in diameter. The flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of the stems, which are densely covered in small glandular hairs. The plant blooms from late summer through early fall.Uses
The goldenbush plant has several uses. Its flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. The plant's flowers and leaves have also been used in traditional Native American medicine for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the goldenbush plant is a good choice for xeriscaping, as it is drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot, dry environments.Common Names
The goldenbush plant is commonly known by several other names, including Acradenia, Rayless goldenbush, and Zapata goldenbush.Growth Conditions for Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila
Light Requirements:
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila typically grows in dry, sunny areas and thus, prefers full sun exposure. It may not grow well in shaded areas or those that receive less than 6 hours of sunlight per day.Temperature Requirements:
This plant can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. Although it is drought-tolerant, it can also survive in areas with high humidity. The average temperature for optimal growth ranges from 55 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit.Soil Requirements:
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila is native to many types of soil, but it grows better in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. It does not tolerate wet soils and thus, requires soils with good drainage.Water Requirements:
This plant can survive long periods of drought, but it does not thrive under such conditions. It may require occasional watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain its growth. Overwatering should be avoided because it may lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.Fertilizer Requirements:
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila is a low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. An organic fertilizer application twice a year during the growing season can provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.Pruning Requirements:
Pruning can be done to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. It is recommended to prune Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila during its dormant season to promote healthy growth. Dead or diseased branches should be pruned as soon as they are noticed to prevent the spread of plant diseases.Cultivation Methods
The Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila is a native shrub to California and Baja California, Mexico. It grows well in a warm, dry climate with well-drained soil. It requires full sun exposure and can tolerate high temperatures. It can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division of established plants. When planting, ensure that there is enough space for the plant to grow adequately and avoid overcrowding.
Watering Needs
The Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila is drought-tolerant once established. However, it still requires regular watering during the first year of planting to encourage root development. Water deeply but infrequently to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. Too much water can cause root rot and make the plant susceptible to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
This plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to provide it with the necessary nutrients. However, avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant, making it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Prune the Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila in early spring to remove old, dead, or diseased branches. You can also shape the plant by cutting back the tips of new growth. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's overall size in a single pruning session. Pruning helps promote a healthy and robust plant, enhances its appearance, and encourages new growth.
Propagation of Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila is commonly known as goldenbush and it is a shrub endemic to California. The plant has bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and it is commonly used in landscaping and habitat restoration. Here are the propagation methods for Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila:
Seed Propagation
The easiest method for propagating Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila is by seed. The seeds should be collected when they are ripe, which is usually in the fall. The seeds should be stored in a dry, cool place until they are ready to be planted in the spring.
Before planting, the seeds should be scarified to break their hard outer coating. This can be done by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or soaking them in hot water for a few hours. After scarification, the seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about 4 inches, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila can also be propagated by cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the summer, after the plant has finished its flowering period.
The cuttings should be about 4 inches long and taken from the current year's growth. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting and the remaining leaves should be trimmed by half. The base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. After four to six weeks, the cuttings should have formed roots and can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila is a relatively hardy plant species and is not typically affected by many diseases. However, there are some conditions that can affect its growth and overall health.
One common issue is root rot, which can occur if the plant is overwatered or planted in a site with poor drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil and is not watered excessively. If root rot does occur, the affected areas should be removed and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
Another potential issue is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be applied if the disease is severe.
Pest Management
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila is generally not attractive to many pests, but there are a few that can cause issues.
One common pest is the aphid, which can cause distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Aphids can often be managed by simply washing them off with a strong stream of water. Alternatively, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used.
Spider mites can also be an issue, particularly in dry conditions. They can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to avoid dry conditions and to maintain good air circulation around the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective.
Finally, thrips can be a problem, causing stippling on the leaves and discoloration. They can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and it is also important to remove any plant debris from around the base of the plant to reduce the likelihood of infestation.
