Description of Lasthenia platycarpha (Gray) Greene Plant
Lasthenia platycarpha, commonly known as Wide-fruit goldfields, is a herbaceous annual plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to California and grows in various habitats ranging from coastal bluffs to montane regions. The plant can be found in different locales including the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego County, and South Coast Ranges.
Appearance
The Wide-fruit goldfields grow up to a height of 8 to 60 centimeters. The plant stem is single and covered with glandular hairs. The leaves are oblong, linear, or oblanceolate and are up to 8 centimeters long. The plant has numerous flower heads with yellow petals that are each about 6 to 12 millimeters long, and an involucre with appressed bracts. The bracts beneath the flower head are linear and about 4 millimeters long, usually with blackish tips.
Uses
The Wide-fruit goldfields have various traditional medicinal uses, such as the treatment of stomach disorders, headaches, and coughs. The plant has also been used for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Widely consumed by various wildlife, this species also provides important nectar and pollen resources for various pollinators, including honey bees and butterflies. The plant is also used for restoration of natural habitats, landscaping, and wildflower gardens. Its seeds can be collected and sown for annual blooms in gardens.
Conclusion
Lasthenia platycarpha is a California native plant species with numerous beneficial uses. Its bright yellow petals and attractive appearance make it an excellent choice for landscaping and wildflower gardens. Its traditional medicinal values and ecological values make it an important part of the ecosystem as well as the community.
Light Requirements
The Lasthenia platycarpha plant requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure to grow properly. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its growth rate and potential flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The Lasthenia platycarpha plant can thrive in a wide temperature range. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 35°C. Yet, the optimal temperature for seeding and growth from seedlings should be between 20°C and 25°C. The plant can be grown in areas with a mild climate and is drought-tolerant.
Soil Requirements
The Lasthenia platycarpha plant prefers well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range should be between 5.5 and 7.5, but it can also grow in neutral to slightly alkaline soils. It is a drought-tolerant plant, therefore, it prefers sandy and loamy soils that are free from waterlogging. Moreover, the soil should be weeded regularly as the plant does not compete well with other plants.
Cultivation
Lasthenia platycarpha (Gray) Greene is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate.
The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight, although it can also grow in partial shade. It is highly adaptable and can grow in various soil types, including dry and infertile soils.
It is best to sow the seeds in the fall or early winter, as the plant thrives in cooler temperatures. You can also plant the seeds in early spring, but the plant might not flower as profusely.
Watering Needs
Although the plant is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering.
Do not let the plant sit in water, as this can cause root rot. It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation.
Fertilization
Use a well-balanced fertilizer to promote the growth of Lasthenia platycarpha (Gray) Greene. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, starting from spring through summer.
Avoid using too much fertilizer, as it can cause the plant to produce more foliage than flowers. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.
Pruning
Lasthenia platycarpha (Gray) Greene does not require heavy pruning, but you can deadhead the flowers to prolong the blooming period. Remove any dead or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of diseases.
If the plant becomes leggy, you can pinch back the tips to promote bushier growth. Do this during the growing season to prevent stunting the plant's growth.
Propagation of Lasthenia platycarpha
There are two methods of propagating Lasthenia platycarpha: by seeds and by cuttings. Both methods have their advantages, and the choice of which to use may depend on the resources available and the intended use of the plant.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is a simple and cost-effective method. The seeds of Lasthenia platycarpha can be collected from mature plants in the fall, once the seed heads have dried and turned brown. They can be stored in a cool, dry location until the following spring, when they can be sown directly into the soil.
When planting the seeds, they should be sown thinly over a well-prepared seedbed and covered lightly with soil. The seedbed should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge, at which point watering can be reduced. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be thinned to a spacing of six inches apart.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings may be preferred for Lasthenia platycarpha because it produces a more uniform plant. Cuttings can be taken from a mature plant in the summer, and they should be four to six inches long and taken from the tips of the plant. The leaves on the bottom half of the cutting should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce water loss.
The cuttings should be planted in a soil mix of equal parts peat moss and perlite and kept moist until they root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location, which should have well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Disease and Pest Management for Lasthenia Platycarpha
Lasthenia platycarpha, commonly known as ironplant or owl's clover, is a drought-tolerant flowering plant native to California. Like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can reduce its vigor and cause premature death. Below are some common diseases and pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves of the plants. It can eventually cause the leaves to fall off, which can stunt plant growth. To manage rust, growers can use copper-based fungicides to spray on leaves.
2. Powdery mildew: This disease forms a whitish-gray powdery substance on the leaves of plants. It can obstruct sunlight from photosynthesizing plant tissue, leading to early plant death. During dry weather, it is common overleaf from getting wet from waterdrops. In addition to using copper-based fungicides, growers can prune or remove the affected leaves to maintain plant aesthetics.
Pests
3. Spider mites: This pest feeds on the sap of leaves, causing yellow splotches. In severe infestations, webbing can form around leaves, which can lead to a total collapse. To manage spider mites, growers can use insecticidal soap sprays or insecticides that contain pyrethrin or neem oil.
4. Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that can infest leaves by piercing and sucking out leaf tissues causing the leaves to take on a silver-like appearance. They can transmit viruses from plant to plant. To manage thrips, growers can introduce other predatory insects to their garden, such as lacewings or ladybugs. Horticultural oils and soaps can also be effective in managing this pest.
Lasthenia platycarpha is an easy-care flowering plant that can thrive without maintenance in dry climates. Implementing a regular inspection of the plants, proper watering, and healthy environment are critical factors in managing its disease and pest issues.
