Origin
Lasthenia minor (DC.) Ornduff, also known as common goldfields or yellow goldfields, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is native to California and Baja California in Mexico.
Common Names
Common goldfields is the most frequently used common name for this plant, while it is also referred to as yellow goldfields, common lessingia, and few-flowered goldfields.
Uses
Lasthenia minor has several traditional medicinal uses. Native American tribes would use the plant's seeds as a food source, mixed with other plants. The seeds were also used to make a medicinal tea to treat stomach aches and fevers. The whole plant was used to create a poultice to treat burns and other skin conditions.
Common goldfields is also popular among gardeners because of its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the late spring or early summer. The plant is easily grown and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great addition to gardens and landscapes that receive plenty of sunlight.
General Appearance
The common goldfields plant is an annual herb that ranges from 5 to 50 cm in height. The plant can grow either solitary or in clusters, and its leaves are long, narrow, and divided into small lobes or toothed segments that give the foliage a fern-like appearance. The flowers are single or in clusters at the end of stems and are bright yellow in color. The plant's fruit is an achene, which is small and seed-like, and able to disperse via wind or water.
Growth Conditions for Lasthenia minor (DC.) Ornduff
Lasthenia minor, also known as annual goldfields, is a wildflower native to California and Oregon. The plant has a preference for sunny and dry conditions and can thrive in a range of soils. Here are some growth conditions that are ideal for Lasthenia minor:
Light Requirements
Lasthenia minor grows best in full sunlight exposure. The plant prefers a bright environment and can be grown in areas that receive up to six hours of direct sunlight per day. It is not an ideal plant for shady areas since it may not bloom as profusely.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is best suited to areas with a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Lasthenia minor is adapted to hot and dry conditions, and it becomes dormant during the colder months. In areas with frost, the plant will need to be grown as an annual.
Soil Requirements
Lasthenia minor will grow in a wide variety of soils, including sandy soils or those with a high clay content. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged soil. The plant prefers soil with good drainage, which is essential to prevent root rot. The soil must also be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.2).
Cultivation Methods
Lasthenia minor (DC.) Ornduff is a hardy species, and it requires minimal attention to thrive. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, depending on the climate. It does well in well-draining soils of sandy or loamy composition, and it prefers a soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant grows up to 30cm tall and spreads 30cm wide, so it is essential to space seedlings or transplants at least 30cm apart.
Watering Needs
Lasthenia minor (DC.) Ornduff requires moderate watering, and it can tolerate some drought. It is important to water the plant when the soil is dry to a depth of about 2.5cm. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is advisable to monitor soil moisture levels and only water as necessary.
Fertilization
Adding a balanced slow-release fertilizer to the soil before planting can provide adequate nutrition for Lasthenia minor (DC.) Ornduff. Alternatively, adding a top dressing of compost or aged manure around the base of the plant twice a year can also provide the necessary nutrients. However, excessive fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application rates.
Pruning
Lasthenia minor (DC.) Ornduff has a mounding growth habit that requires minimal pruning. Deadheading is the only necessary form of pruning, and it involves removing spent flowers and any resulting seeds to encourage further blooming. Pruning can be done by pinching off the flowers or using scissors to cut them. Deadheading should be done as soon as the flowers fade, which is usually every two to three days during the plant's blooming period.
Propagation Methods for Lasthenia minor
Lasthenia minor, also known as dwarf goldfields, is a drought-tolerant, low-growing plant commonly found in California. It usually grows in meadows, grasslands, and open spaces. Propagation is the process of growing new plants from existing ones. There are several methods of propagating Lasthenia minor, including seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and division propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Lasthenia minor. It is a simple process, and the seeds of dwarf goldfields are readily available. This method involves collecting the seeds from a mature plant, preparing the soil, and planting the seeds.
First, collect the seeds from the plant when the seed heads have matured and turned brown. Next, prepare the soil by removing any debris and loosening the topsoil. Then, sow the seeds in the soil and gently press them into the soil's surface. Water the area, and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to two weeks. Once the plants have grown to a size where they can be handled, transplant them to their final location.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting propagation is another method of propagating Lasthenia minor. This process involves taking a stem cutting from an existing plant, preparing the cutting, and then planting it in soil to grow roots.
The cutting should be taken from a healthy plant. Choose a stem that is 3-4 inches long and free of any damage or disease. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone, which can be purchased from a garden center, and plant it in a pot filled with a mixture of soil and sand or perlite. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location. In a few weeks, roots should appear, and the plant can then be transplanted to its final location.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a method that involves dividing a mature plant into several smaller plants. This method is often used to propagate plants that have outgrown their location or are not producing well.
To divide Lasthenia minor, dig up the entire plant and carefully separate any clumps of roots. Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the roots and plant material into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots and an equal amount of plant material. Replant each section in a new location, making sure the soil is well-drained and moist. Keep the soil moist until the plants are established.
Propagation is a great way to grow more Lasthenia minor plants. Whether using seeds, stem cuttings, or division, this plant can be reproduced relatively easily and without much effort.
Disease and Pest Management for Lasthenia minor (DC.) Ornduff
Like any plant, Lasthenia minor (DC.) Ornduff is vulnerable to a range of diseases and pests. Here are some common ones to watch out for and how to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can become an issue during the warmer months. To manage, use fungicidal sprays or neem oil.
2. Root rot: This condition is caused by overwatering and poor drainage and can lead to stunted growth, wilting, and yellow leaves. To manage, make sure the soil has good drainage and avoid overwatering.
3. Aster Yellows: This is a bacterial disease that can cause yellowing and deformation in the plants. It is transmitted by leafhoppers. The best management option is to remove infected plants immediately to prevent further spread of the bacteria.
Pests
1. Aphids: These small insects can appear in large numbers and feed on the plant's sap, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage, use insecticidal soap or neem oil or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
2. Thrips: These tiny insects attach themselves to the plant's leaves and suck out chlorophyll, which can cause silvery spots on the leaves. To manage, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Spider mites: These mites cause webbing on the leaves and damage to the plant's foliage. To manage, keep the humidity high by misting the plant's leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regularly inspecting your Lasthenia minor plants and keeping them healthy and well-maintained is one of the most effective pest and disease management strategies. By providing optimal conditions, you can reduce the likelihood of diseases and pests taking hold.
