Origin
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa (S. Wats.) Keck, commonly known as Bailey's ivesia or setose ivesia, is a perennial herb that is native to the western United States and Mexico. It can be found in Nevada, California, Arizona, and Sonora, growing in sandy and rocky places up to an elevation of 6,000 feet.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Bailey's ivesia or setose ivesia, and is also sometimes referred to as Bailey's prairie clover or setose prairie clover.
Uses
While there are no known medicinal uses for Bailey's ivesia, it provides important habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies. It also has ornamental value, as its unique appearance makes it an interesting addition to rock gardens and other dryland landscapes.
General Appearance
Bailey's ivesia is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that typically reaches only 2-6 inches in height. It has small, silvery-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a fuzzy appearance. The flowers are small and white, and appear in tight clusters at the end of thin stems. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer, and are followed by small dry fruit capsules.
Growth conditions for Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa
Light: Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa requires full sun to partial shade exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade limits its growth and may lead to leggy plants with poor flowering.
Temperature: This plant grows best in cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate some heat, but hot temperatures may cause the plant to wilt. The ideal range for temperature is between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) during the growing season and between 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) during the dormant season.
Soil: Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate poor soils, but not wet or poorly drained soils. Amending soil with organic matter can improve soil quality and drainage, and also provide some nutrients.
Cultivation
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa is a perennial herb that grows well in well-drained soils in sunny or partially shaded areas. The plant prefers slightly acidic soils, and it is drought tolerant once established. This plant is hardy and can tolerate temperatures below freezing, which makes it suitable for outdoor cultivation in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa are minimal. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems, so it is best to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering. When watering, apply the water directly to the soil around the base of the plant, rather than overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases. During prolonged drought periods, the plant may need irrigation to survive, but it can also survive without water for extended periods.
Fertilization
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa does not require regular fertilization. However, if the soil is poor or if the plant shows signs of poor growth, application of a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be helpful. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can cause excessive vegetative growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa does not require regular pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage continued blooming, but it is not necessary. In the fall, the plant dies back to the ground, and any dead or damaged foliage can be removed at that time. Otherwise, the plant can be left to grow naturally without any pruning.
Propagation of Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa (S. Wats.) Keck
Propagation of Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa (S. Wats.) Keck can be achieved through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds can be harvested from the plant when they start to mature and turn brown. The seeds should be collected carefully to avoid crushing them. After collecting, the seeds should be cleaned and stored in a dry and cool place until ready for sowing.
The seeds can be sown in seed trays or directly into the prepared garden bed. The ideal germination temperature is between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius. It would take about 1 to 2 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
After the seedlings have grown sufficiently, they can be transplanted into individual pots. They should be kept in a partly shaded area and watered regularly. Once the seedlings have developed strong roots and leaves, they can be transplanted in the garden bed.
Asexual Propagation
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa (S. Wats.) Keck can be propagated asexually through division and cuttings. Division involves separating the plant into smaller portions and replanting them in the garden. Cuttings, on the other hand, involve cutting part of the stem of the plant and planting it in a sowing mix.
Cuttings should be taken in the early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 centimeters long and should have at least 2 to 3 leaves attached. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting them in the sowing mix. After planting, the cuttings should be kept in a warm and moist place.
Division is carried out by carefully digging up the plant and separating it into smaller portions. The new plants should have sufficient roots and stems to ensure they have a chance to survive. The new plant starts are replanted in the garden and watered regularly until they have developed a strong root system.
Disease Management
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa (S. Wats.) Keck is a fairly disease-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on leaves and stems of infected plants. To prevent the disease from occurring, avoid overhead watering and maintain proper air circulation. If the disease is already present, remove infected plant parts and use a fungicide spray to treat the plant.
Pest Management
Common pests that might affect Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. setosa (S. Wats.) Keck include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance that can attract ants. Spider mites are tiny insects that live in colonies on the undersides of leaves, creating yellow spots on the topsides of the leaves. Thrips feed on plant sap and can cause leaf distortion or yellowing.
To prevent pests from attacking the plant, maintain proper sanitation by removing fallen leaves and plant debris. Additionally, encourage natural predators of the pests, such as lady beetles and lacewings, to inhabit the area. If a pest infestation is present, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate the pests. It is important to follow the instructions on the insecticide label and avoid using the spray during the plant's blooming period.
