Overview
Lappula deflexa (Wahlenb.) Garcke p.p., commonly known as the Siberian stickseed or western stickseed, is a herbaceous flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. It is native to parts of Asia, including Siberia, China, and Mongolia, as well as parts of North America, including Alaska, Canada, and the western United States.
Appearance
The Siberian stickseed typically grows to a height of 15-50 cm and has a slender, branched stem covered in small, stiff hairs. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped with pointed tips. The plant produces numerous small, blue or purple flowers with five petals that grow in clusters at the tips of the stems. The flowers are followed by small, prickly fruits covered in hooked bristles that attach easily to clothing and animal fur, earning the plant its common names of stickseed or beggar's lice.
Uses
The Siberian stickseed has historically been used in traditional medicine in China to treat various ailments, including fever, respiratory infections, and diarrhea. Some Indigenous groups in North America have also used the plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating skin rashes and as a pain reliever.
In modern times, Lappula deflexa has also been used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive flowers and unique fruits. However, it is important to note that the plant's prickly fruits can become a nuisance if not controlled, as they easily adhere to clothing and can be difficult to remove.
Light Requirements
Lappula deflexa requires full sunlight exposure for proper growth and development. It cannot tolerate shade and therefore must be grown in a location that receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
Lappula deflexa is a cold-tolerant plant that can survive in temperatures as low as -40°C. However, it adapts well to a wide range of temperatures, from cool to hot. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 10°C to 25°C. If grown in high temperatures, it needs ample watering to keep the soil moist.
Soil Requirements
Lappula deflexa prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.5). It can also tolerate poor soil conditions and can grow in rocky or gravelly soil. However, clay or wet soils are not suitable for this plant, as they do not provide adequate drainage, resulting in root rot.
Cultivation methods
Lappula deflexa is a hardy perennial plant that prefers to grow in full sunlight and well-drained soil. The plant is best suited to grow in USDA Zones 5-9. It can be propagated by seed or by dividing the roots of established plants in the early spring or fall. The seeds will require scarification or stratification to break their dormancy, which can be accomplished by soaking them in water or placing them in a refrigerator for a few weeks.
Watering needs
Lappula deflexa prefers to grow in dry to medium soil moisture and does not require excessive watering. The plant is drought tolerant and can withstand periods of dry weather. However, it may benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells to promote healthy growth.
Fertilization
Lappula deflexa does not require much fertilization. It prefers to grow in soil that is low in nutrients and does not tolerate high levels of nitrogen fertilizers. If the soil is poor, adding compost or slow-release fertilizers in the spring is enough to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Lappula deflexa does not require pruning, but it can be beneficial to remove dead or damaged stems in early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading spent flowers can help to promote new blooms, and cutting back the plant by a third after flowering can help to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Overall, Lappula deflexa is an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. With proper cultivation and care, this beautiful and resilient plant can provide years of enjoyment in the garden.Propagation of Lappula Deflexa
Lappula deflexa (Wahlenb.) Garcke p.p., also known as the flatfruit bluecurls, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the borage family. The plant is native to North America and is widely distributed in dry or sandy areas. It is commonly found in prairies, deserts, and sagebrush habitats. The plant is well known for its attractive blue blooms that appear in the summer, making it an ideal ornamental plant in gardens.
Propa?gation Methods
The propagation of Lappula deflexa can be done through two methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagatio?n
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Lappula deflexa. The seeds of Lappula deflexa should be sowed in the late fall or early spring in the soil with good drainage. The seeds should be sown at a depth of ¼ inch and kept moist until germination, which takes about 2-3 weeks. To promote the germination of seeds, the seeds can be stratified in the refrigerator for two weeks before sowing.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Lappula deflexa can be done using cuttings or division. Cuttings are taken from the stem in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant. The cutting should be about 6 inches long and should be planted in the soil with good drainage. The roots will develop in a few weeks. Division can be done in early spring or late fall. The plant should be dug out, and the roots should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should contain at least one stem and some roots. The smaller sections should be planted in the soil with good drainage and kept moist until new growth emerges.
Overall, Lappula deflexa is an easy plant to propagate, and with proper care, new plants can be established easily. Whether you use seed propagation or vegetative propagation, the result will be healthy and attractive plants that are perfect for any garden.
Disease Management
The plant Lappula deflexa is generally resistant to most diseases. However, it can be susceptible to foliar diseases like powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew symptoms appear as a white powdery substance on the leaves, while rust symptoms appear as orange or yellow pustules on the undersides of leaves.
Avoid overhead watering and ensure proper air circulation around the plant to reduce the occurrence of foliar diseases. In case of an outbreak, apply organic fungicides like neem oil or sulfur-based products according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
The plant Lappula deflexa is generally not affected by pests. However, in some cases, it can be attacked by aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Aphids and spider mites feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and death in severe cases. Caterpillars, on the other hand, feed on the leaves.
To control aphids and spider mites, spray the plant with a stream of water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control them. For caterpillars, handpick them or use Bacillus thuringiensis to control them. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides as they also kill beneficial insects that help in controlling pests.
