Origin and Common Names
Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae. It is commonly known as smooth goldfields or yellow-rayed goldfields and is native to California in the United States. It is found throughout the state, particularly in the Central Valley and surrounding foothill regions.
General Appearance
The smooth goldfields plant has a slender and erect stem that can grow up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are slender and divided into lobes which can be linear to oblong in shape. The bright yellow flower heads are about 1-2 cm in diameter and have no ray flowers. These flowers bloom from May to June, depending on the location and altitude of the plant's habitat.
Uses
Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. has been used for various purposes by indigenous people, including the Pomo and Miwok tribes of California. They used the plant for food and medicine, as well as for dyeing fabrics and making baskets.
Today, the plant is primarily used for its ornamental value. It is often grown in gardens and natural landscapes for its striking yellow flowers and attractive foliage. It is also an important plant for bees and other pollinators. Its seeds are used in reseeding efforts to restore native habitats, particularly in California.
Light Requirements
Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. thrives in full sun or partially shaded areas that receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. It is not suitable for shaded or completely shaded areas, as this may result in the decreased growth rate and the production of fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. requires warm temperatures to grow and develop properly. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 18°C to 30°C. The plant cannot withstand frost or extreme cold weather conditions. Care should be taken to prevent the plant from dropping below its minimum temperature tolerance level.
Soil Requirements
Lasthenia glabrata Lindl requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be loamy, sandy or a mixture of both. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is optimal for the successful growth of this plant. The plant may have trouble developing in a heavy clay soil structure due to the drainage issues it creates. It is important to maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil, as a lack of water may result in reduced flower production and wilting of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. is a lovely plant that is best grown in areas with full sun exposure, tolerates drought, and prefers well-drained soil. For germination, seeds can be sown directly into the garden after the last frost or grown indoors and transplanted once the seedlings reach a certain size. The seedlings should be spaced at least six inches apart to give them enough space to grow.
The plant should be grown in an area that receives plenty of sunlight and has fertile soil. It can thrive in different types of soil, including loamy and sandy soil. Once established, the plant does not require a lot of maintenance, but it should be watered regularly during its growth phase.
Watering Needs
Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. is a drought-tolerant plant, which makes it an excellent option for those living in hot and dry regions. However, during its growing season, the plant prefers to be watered regularly. Inadequate watering can result in stunted growth and the production of fewer flowers. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week, providing enough time for the soil to dry out properly before watering again.
Fertilization
The plant does not require a significant amount of fertilizer, but applying a small amount of balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 every four to six weeks can significantly improve plant growth. It is recommended to fertilize the plant while watering, taking care to ensure that the fertilizer does not come into contact with the plant's leaves. Over-fertilization can lead to yellowing of the leaves, which can negatively affect plant growth.
Pruning
Deadheading or pruning off spent flowers can redirect energy to the plant's root system, enabling it to produce more flowers. Once the plant has stopped blooming, it can be pruned to a height of three to four inches to encourage growth. However, care should be taken not to prune the plant too severely, as this can damage the roots and hinder growth. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant season to avoid injuring the plant.
Propagation of Lasthenia glabrata Lindl.
Lasthenia glabrata Lindl., also known as Smooth Goldfields, is a beautiful annual plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to California, where it grows in arid regions and grasslands.
Propagation of Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. can be done by seeds. The seeds of this plant are small, brown, and triangular in shape. Seed germination usually occurs in the spring when temperatures become warm enough.
Seed Collection and Preparation
Seed collection should be done when the flower heads turn brown and dry. The seed heads can be harvested and dried for a week or more in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. Once the seeds are dry, they should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place until planting time arrives.
Before planting, the seeds should be scarified or rubbed lightly to break their outer seed coat. This process will allow for better water absorption, ultimately leading to higher germination rates when planting.
Sowing Seeds
Seeds can be sown in the ground directly or started indoors in pots or trays. When sowing outdoors, choose a sunny, well-draining plot with loose soil. Seeds should be sown thinly and covered lightly with soil. Watering should be done sparingly, ensuring that the soil is not too wet or too dry.
When starting seeds indoors, use a good quality potting mix and sow seeds thinly in pots or trays. Cover with a layer of vermiculite or perlite and keep moist. Place the pots or trays in a warm, bright area until seedlings emerge.
Caring for Seedlings
Seedlings should be thinned out once they reach a height of one inch. Each seedling should be spaced six inches apart to allow for sufficient growth. Watering should be done regularly, but not excessively. Once the plants are established, they can tolerate dry periods.
Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is a low maintenance plant that does not require fertilization or pruning.
Disease and Pest Management for Lasthenia glabrata Lindl.
Lasthenia glabrata Lindl., commonly known as glabrous goldfields, is a delicate plant species that belongs to the sunflower family. It is native to California and is generally easy to cultivate. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to pest and disease attacks.
Common Pests
The common pests that affect Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Aphids are tiny and soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They cause curling and yellowing of the leaves and can stunt the plant's growth. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap and leave behind a distinctive webbing. They cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves, which can lead to leaf drop. Whiteflies are also sap-sucking insects that weaken the plant by draining its nutrients.
Pest Management
To control the pest infestation, the first step is to identify the pest and the extent of the infestation. Once identified, the following approaches can be used to control the pests:
- Cultural control: Ensure that the plant is grown under optimal conditions, including adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients. Regularly prune the plant to prevent overcrowding, which creates a conducive environment for pests.
- Biological control: Introduce beneficial insects that prey on the pests, such as ladybugs and lacewings. These insects will help keep the pest population in check.
- Chemical control: If the pest infestation is severe, chemical insecticides can be used as a last resort. However, care should be taken to follow the instructions on the label and to use them sparingly.
Common Diseases
The common diseases that affect Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. are fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and botrytis blight. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, shoots, and flower buds. It can cause deformation and stunting of the plant and can spread quickly. Botrytis blight, also known as grey mold, appears as brown spots on the leaves and flowers. It thrives in humid conditions and can cause severe damage to the plant if left unchecked.
Disease Management
Prevention is crucial in managing the spread of diseases. The following measures can be taken to prevent the diseases:
- Cultural control: Ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil and is not overwatered. Avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate airflow around the plant to prevent humidity buildup. Additionally, regularly prune the plant to remove infected plant parts and improve air circulation.
- Biological control: Introduce beneficial microbes, such as mycorrhizae and Bacillus subtilis, to help prevent the growth of harmful fungi.
- Chemical control: Chemical fungicides can be used to control the disease, but as with insecticides, use them sparingly and follow the instructions on the label.
By carefully monitoring the plant and ensuring optimal growing conditions, including proper watering and sunlight, Lasthenia glabrata Lindl. can be protected from pests and diseases.
