Origin
Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene, commonly known as Redowsk's Stickseed, is a plant species native to North America. It is primarily found in western North America, specifically in the United States in states such as Montana and Wyoming. It is also found in Canadian provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia.
Common Names
In addition to being known as Redowsk's Stickseed, Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene has a few other common names. It is sometimes referred to as Redowski's Stickseed. Other common names include Redowsk's Lappula, Small-flowered Stickseed, and Redowsk's Fiddleneck.
Uses
Redowsk's Stickseed is not widely known for its medicinal uses. However, some Native American tribes have used the plant for medicinal purposes such as treating respiratory ailments and coughs. Additionally, this plant is important for wildlife. Specifically, it serves as a source of food for various species of wildlife such as rodents and birds.
General Appearance
Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene is a biennial plant which means it has a two-year life cycle. It is a member of the borage family and can grow up to 2 feet tall. The plant produces small blue flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers are arranged in clusters and are surrounded by spiny bracts. The leaves are hairy, narrow, and have sharp tips. The plant is typically found in grasslands and open forests.
Growth Conditions for Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene
Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene, commonly known as Redowskii stickseed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the borage family. It is native to the western regions of North America, including California, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah.
Light Requirements
Redowskii stickseed requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as prolifically if it does not receive enough sun. In areas with hot summers, partial shade may be necessary to prevent the plant from becoming stressed.
Temperature Requirements
Redowskii stickseed can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers cool to moderate temperatures. In areas with hot summers, the plant may become stressed and require additional water to survive. It can withstand freezing temperatures during the dormant season but cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining sandy to rocky soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It can tolerate moderately saline soils but will not grow well in soils with high salinity. Redowskii stickseed can also tolerate a range of soil types, from clay loam to gravelly soils.
It is important to note that Redowskii stickseed is often found growing in disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, and pastures. It can be a successful pioneer species in disturbed habitats, but care should be taken to ensure that it does not become invasive in areas where it is not native.
Cultivation of Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene
Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It is generally grown from seeds, which should be sown in the early spring.
The seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause the seeds to rot.
The plants should be spaced approximately 12-18 inches apart to allow them to grow and spread out. They prefer full sun to partial shade and are tolerant of most soil types, although they do best in well-drained and slightly acidic soils.
Watering Needs of Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene
Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene requires regular watering, especially during the summer season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
If the plant becomes too dry, it may show signs of stress through wilting or browning of the leaves. To avoid this, it is important to water the plant deeply and regularly.
Fertilization of Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene
Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene does not require a lot of additional fertilization. However, like most plants, it will benefit from a light application of fertilizer during the growing season.
A general-purpose fertilizer can be used, and it should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth or poor-quality flowers.
Pruning of Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene
Lappula redowskii auct. non (Hornem.) Greene does not require regular pruning, as it is a relatively low-maintenance plant. However, deadheading spent flowers can help to promote continued blooming throughout the growing season.
If the plant becomes too large or leggy, it can be pruned back in the late fall or early spring. This will help to promote new growth and maintain the plant's overall shape and appearance.
Propagation Methods for Lappula redowskii
Lappula redowskii is a hardy perennial plant that is native to the western United States. It is commonly known as Redowskii Stickseed, which refers to the plant's barbed seed heads that can stick to clothing or fur. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through seeds and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most common method used to propagate Lappula redowskii. The seeds of this plant are small and black, and can be harvested from mature plants in late summer or early fall. Once harvested, the seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until planting time.
To plant the seeds, prepare a seed bed with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them lightly with soil. Water the seeds gently and keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.
Seedlings should be thinned to a spacing of 12-18 inches apart once they have two true sets of leaves. This will prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth. Typically, Lappula redowskii will bloom in its second year of growth.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Lappula redowskii can also be propagated through vegetative methods, such as root cuttings or division. This method is often used when a gardener wants to create multiple plants from a single parent plant or if the parent plant has become too large and needs to be divided.
To propagate through division, dig up the parent plant and carefully separate the root ball into sections, making sure that each section has both roots and foliage. Replant the divided sections in well-drained soil at the same depth they were previously growing.
To propagate through root cuttings, take a 2- to 3-inch section of a plant's root and plant it in well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and wait for the cuttings to grow new foliage before transplanting them to their permanent location.
Propagation of Lappula redowskii can be a fun and rewarding experience for gardeners. By utilizing both seed and vegetative methods, gardeners have multiple options for increasing the number of plants in their gardens.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect Lappula redowskii is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant causing them to have a powdery appearance. To manage powdery mildew, you can apply fungicides that contain sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. You can also practice good cultural practices like pruning infected areas to improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
Leaf spot is another common disease that affects Lappula redowskii. This disease causes circular spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and apply fungicides that contain copper-based compounds. Ensure that you minimize water on the plant leaves and avoid overcrowding as this promotes the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Spider mites are common pests that infest Lappula redowskii. Spider mites suck sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. You can manage spider mites by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to feed on the spider mites.
The Lappula redowskii is also prone to attacks by aphids. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the leaves, stunting the growth of the plant. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to feed on the aphids.
