Origin
Lasthenia macrantha (Gray) Greene ssp. bakeri (J.T. Howell) Ornduff, commonly known as Baker's goldfields, is a species of flowering plant in the aster family, Asteraceae. This subspecies is endemic to California, USA, and can be found in the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast regions.
Common Names
Baker's goldfields is the most commonly used common name for this plant. Other less common names include Baker's tarweed and Baker's lasthenia.
Uses
The Baker's goldfields plant is not extensively used for medicinal purposes. However, indigenous communities used it as a poultice to treat cuts, insect bites, and stings. The plant is primarily cultivated for its ornamental and aesthetic properties. It is often used as ground cover in ornamental gardens and landscaping.
General Appearance
The Baker's goldfields plant is an annual herb that grows up to one foot tall. This plant has small, daisy-like flowers that are yellow, and it blooms from late March through June. Its leaves are lobed with a smooth texture, and its stems are cylindrical and thin. The plant's seeds are small, black, and cylindrical. The Baker's goldfields plant thrives in areas that have been recently disturbed, such as roadsides, open fields, and pastures.
Light Requirements
Lasthenia macrantha ssp. bakeri prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. This plant thrives in bright sunlight, and the exposure helps develop its abundance of flowers. When grown indoors, it is best to place the plant near a bright window. Too much shade can lead to a lack of vigor and growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to California, where temperatures can fluctuate in different seasons and environments. The ideal temperature range for Lasthenia macrantha ssp. bakeri growth is between 50 and 85°F. The plant can tolerate varying temperatures but might suffer if exposed to frost.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is essential for the growth of Lasthenia macrantha ssp. bakeri. This plant prefers sandy or loamy soils but can grow in clay soil if the drainage is adequate. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil before planting to provide the plant with nutrients. The pH range should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Lasthenia macrantha ssp. bakeri is a beautiful plant that is native to California and prefers to grow in sunny locations. For optimal growth, it is essential to provide well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated through seeds or plant division.
When growing from seeds, it's best to direct sow them in the garden bed between February and April. Ensure that the soil remains moist for successful germination. Young seedlings should be shaded during the hottest hours of the day to prevent them from drying up.
For propagation through division, it is advisable to divide the mature plants during their dormant season between November and December. Make sure to plant each division in well-draining soil and water adequately to support root growth.
Watering Needs
Lasthenia macrantha ssp. bakeri requires moderate watering during its growth phase. The soil should never be allowed to dry out entirely to prevent the plant from wilting. However, overwatering should also be avoided, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. It is best to water deeply twice a week and avoid watering during the hottest hours of the day to minimize water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, the plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the active growth period. This will promote lush foliage and abundant blooms. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive growth that can be unsightly and require additional pruning.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the desired shape of the Lasthenia macrantha ssp. bakeri plant. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. Additionally, pinch back the new growth tips to promote bushier growth. Young plants should be pruned to prevent them from getting too leggy. It is advisable to prune during the dormant season to avoid exposing the plant to stress during its active growth period.
Propagation of Lasthenia Macrantha (Gray) Greene ssp. Bakeri (J.T. Howell) Ornduff
Lasthenia macrantha (Gray) Greene ssp. bakeri (J.T. Howell) Ornduff, or Baker's goldfields, is a California native plant that can be propagated in several ways. As a member of the aster family, it produces small, daisy-like yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Propagation is the process of producing new plants from existing ones, and there are various methods for propagating Lasthenia macrantha (Gray) Greene ssp. Bakeri (J.T. Howell) Ornduff.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Lasthenia macrantha (Gray) Greene ssp. bakeri (J.T. Howell) Ornduff. Seeds can be planted directly in the ground or started indoors in peat pots or other containers. It's best to start seeds in the fall or early winter, so they have enough time to establish before the hot summer months. Seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Seeds will germinate within a few weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method for propagating Lasthenia macrantha (Gray) Greene ssp. bakeri (J.T. Howell) Ornduff. This method involves dividing the plant's root ball into smaller sections and replanting them in new locations. This can be done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections, making sure each section has several healthy roots and at least one shoot. Replant the new sections in well-draining soil, and keep the soil moist until the new plants establish roots.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking a cutting from a Lasthenia macrantha (Gray) Greene ssp. bakeri (J.T. Howell) Ornduff plant and rooting it in soil or water. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a healthy stem with several leaves and use sharp, clean scissors to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the stem in a pot filled with well-draining soil or place it in a vase of water. Keep the soil moist or change the water in the vase frequently. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks.
Overall, Lasthenia macrantha (Gray) Greene ssp. bakeri (J.T. Howell) Ornduff can be propagated through seed, division, and cutting methods. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the grower's needs and preferences.
Disease Management
Lasthenia macrantha (Gray) Greene ssp. bakeri (J.T. Howell) Ornduff is a native annual herbaceous plant that can be susceptible to various diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis blight is a fungal disease that can affect the flowers and foliage of Lasthenia macrantha. This disease causes brown spots that can rapidly spread, leading to the death of the plant. To manage Botrytis blight, it is important to remove diseased plant material promptly. Additionally, providing adequate air circulation and reducing plant moisture can help prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicidal sprays may also be effective in controlling Botrytis blight.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves of Lasthenia macrantha, causing orange or yellow spots to appear. These spots can merge and form raised pustules. Rust can cause defoliation and weaken the plant. To manage rust, infected plant material should be removed and destroyed. Additionally, fungicidal sprays may help to control rust.
Pest Management
While Lasthenia macrantha is generally resistant to pests, the plant can be susceptible to some insect pests. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Cutworms
Cutworms are common pests that can feed on the stems of Lasthenia macrantha, cutting the plants off at soil level. To manage cutworms, it is important to remove mulch and weeds that can harbor the insects. Additionally, placing collars made of paper or cardboard around the base of young plants can prevent cutworms from accessing them. In severe infestations, insecticidal sprays may be necessary.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can feed on the sap of Lasthenia macrantha, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. These pests can also transmit diseases. To manage aphids, spraying the affected plants with a strong stream of water can help to dislodge them. Additionally, releasing natural enemies like ladybugs can help to control aphid populations. In severe infestations, insecticidal soap or other insecticides may be necessary.
