Overview
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck is a perennial herb that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to western North America and is commonly known as Bailey's ivesia. This plant has many uses, including being utilized in traditional medicine and is known for its beautiful yellow flowers.
Description
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck has a small and compact form, with a height of 2 to 7 cm. It has a woody rootstock that produces rosettes of leaves. The leaves are greyish-green, with deeply divided lobes, and have a hairy texture. The plant bears numerous yellow flowers, which bloom in the summer and are three to five mm in diameter.
Origin
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck is native to western North America, including the states of California, Nevada, and Oregon. It typically grows in dry and rocky habitats such as mountains, cliffs, and rocky slopes.
Common Names
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck is commonly known as Bailey's ivesia, Bailey's mousetail, and mountain mousetail.
Uses
Indigenous peoples have traditionally used Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck for medicinal purposes, including to treat colds, fevers, and stomach pains. It is also used in modern herbal medicine as a natural remedy for bacterial infections, asthma, and inflammation. Additionally, the plant is a valuable food source for wildlife such as the mountain plover and bighorn sheep.
Light Requirements
Ivesia baileyi ssp. typica Keck typically grows in full sun exposure, although it can tolerate some shade in hot and dry climates. In areas with higher elevations and cooler temperatures, it may grow in partial shade. It is ideally suited for a location with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Ivesia baileyi ssp. typica Keck is native to dry, open habitats in mountainous regions, and it is adapted to temperature extremes. It can tolerate cold winters with temperatures below freezing and hot summer temperatures above 90°F. However, it prefers cooler temperatures between 60°F and 75°F during the growing season. In areas with hot summer temperatures, it benefits from afternoon shade to reduce stress.
Soil Requirements
Ivesia baileyi ssp. typica Keck prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils. However, it is best suited for well-draining rocky or gravelly soils with low fertility. The ideal pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.5. It is adapted to dry conditions and can tolerate drought, but it may benefit from supplemental irrigation in extremely dry periods.
Cultivation Methods
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck, commonly referred to as Bailey's ivesia, is a gorgeous flowering plant that can be grown in gardens, meadows, and containers. This plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. While this plant is drought-tolerant, it requires consistent moisture during the growing season to produce healthy foliage and flowers.
Watering Needs
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck requires consistent watering during the growing season to thrive. This plant benefits from deep but infrequent watering from the base. At least an inch of water per week will suffice. When watering, avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can cause fungal diseases. During hot summers or prolonged droughts, consider increasing the frequency of watering to ensure the plant's health.
Fertilization
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck does not require regular fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to give your plant a boost. Do not over-fertilize, as this can cause a buildup of nutrients and harm the plant. Consider using a slow-release fertilizer to avoid fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck does not require extensive pruning. However, you can remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth. After the plant's flowering season, remove the spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Cut back the entire plant to its base in the fall after it has gone dormant for the season.
Propagation of Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck, commonly called Bailey's ivesia, is a rare and endangered plant species native to California. The propagation methods for this plant involve both sexual and asexual propagation.
Sexual propagation
The sexual propagation of Bailey's ivesia can be accomplished by collecting and sowing its seeds. The plant produces small, spherical, and papery fruits that contain the seeds. The fruits can be collected after they have ripened and turned brown. The seeds can be cleaned and dried before sowing, preferably in the fall. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil, covered with a thin layer of soil, and watered. The plants can take several years to mature from seed, and germination rates can be low.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Bailey's ivesia can be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be approximately 3-4 inches long, with a few leaves and nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a moist and warm environment. After a few months, the cuttings should develop roots and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.
Disease Management
Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck is resistant to most fungal diseases. However, powdery mildew and rust can affect this plant. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in a white powdery coating on the leaves. Rust appears as orange, yellow, or brown-colored spots on leaves, stems, and flowers.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering. An application of fungicide can also be used. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove and destroy affected plant parts and ensure proper drainage to prevent water from pooling around the plant. An application of fungicide can also be used.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Ivesia baileyi S. Wats. ssp. typica Keck are aphids and spider mites. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that also feed on plant sap. They produce small webs on the plant, causing leaves to yellow and fall off.
To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong stream of water to remove them. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the garden to control their population. An application of insecticide can also be used.
To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain proper air circulation and avoid over-fertilizing the plant. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions. An application of insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used. It is important to note that overuse of insecticides can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
