Description of Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae and is native to western North America. The plant is also known as Palepod Sweetpea and Pale Lathyrus.
Appearance
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby is a perennial plant that grows up to 40 cm in height. The plant has a twining stem that is slender and finely hairy. The leaves of the plant are divided into two leaflets and are pale green in color. The flowers of the plant are small and are pale pink to lavender in color. They appear in clusters at the end of the stems and bloom from May to July. The seed pods of the plant are narrow and elongated.
Uses
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby has no commercial uses. However, the plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive pink flowers. Due to its drought tolerance, it can be grown in xeriscapes and rock gardens.
In addition, indigenous peoples in North America have traditionally used various species of Lathyrus as food sources. The roots and young shoots of some species were eaten raw or cooked, and the seeds were roasted and ground into flour for medicinal and nutritional purposes. However, it is not known whether Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby was used for these purposes.
Light Requirements
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby is a sun-loving plant that requires full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. In its natural habitat, this plant primarily grows in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in an outdoor area with plenty of light or near a sunny window.
Temperature Requirements
Being a plant that originates in high-altitude regions, Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby requires a cool environment to grow well. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 12°C and 18°C. The plant cannot tolerate extreme heat and direct sunlight during hot summer days, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Therefore, it is best to avoid placing the plant in areas with high temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements of Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby are well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, such as compost or leaf litter, to provide the plant with necessary nutrients. The plant also requires soil with good airflow to facilitate root respiration. If cultivating the plant in pots, it is advisable to use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby, commonly known as pale-vining pea, mountain sweet pea, or Sierra sweet pea, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant grows wild in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Great Basin region of California. To cultivate Sierra sweet pea, plant seeds in well-drained soil with partial shade. The soil should be rich in nutrients with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1 inch below the soil surface and space each seed 4 to 6 inches apart. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7 to 21 days.
Watering Needs
Water Sierra sweet pea regularly to ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy. In the summer months, water the plant frequently to prevent the soil from becoming dry. Water the plant early in the morning or late in the day to avoid water evaporation. It is crucial to avoid splashing water on the leaves to prevent the growth of fungal diseases. If you notice that the leaves of the Sierra sweet pea are turning yellow or brown, it could be a sign of overwatering. Reduce watering and ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer to the Sierra sweet pea every three weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Follow the package instructions, which usually require you to apply the fertilizer at a rate of one tablespoon per plant. After applying the fertilizer, water the plant to help the nutrients absorb into the soil. Avoid overfertilizing the Sierra sweet pea as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer blooms.
Pruning
Prune Sierra sweet pea after the first bloom cycle to encourage more blooms. Cut back the plant by a third to remove the spent blooms and dead or yellow leaves. If the plant is over two years old, consider rejuvenation pruning by cutting the plant back to four inches above the soil to stimulate new growth and improve the overall health of the plant. Remove any diseased or damaged stems immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.
Propagation of Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby, commonly known as Pale Lathyrus, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to North America and is usually found in mountainous regions.
Propagation methods
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby can be propagated through the following methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby can be collected from mature pods during the fall season. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix in a container or a seedbed. The seeds should be kept moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings have grown a few leaves, they can be transplanted into their permanent location in the garden.
Division propagation
Division is another method for propagating Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby. Established plants can be divided during the spring season. The clumps should be dug out carefully, and the roots should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a few shoots and a good amount of root system. The divided sections can be replanted in a fertile, well-draining soil mix.
Cuttings propagation
Softwood cuttings can be taken during the summer season to propagate Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy shoots. The cuttings should be about 10-12 cm long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they start developing roots.
With proper care and attention, Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby can be propagated successfully through any of the above-mentioned methods.
Disease Management
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby can be affected by various diseases such as powdery mildew, root rot, and rust infections. Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and may stunt plant growth. It can be managed by promoting good air circulation, watering in the morning, and reducing humidity. Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the plant to wilt and the roots to rot. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and improving soil drainage. Rust infections appear as yellow, orange, or brown spots on the leaves and can be managed by removing infected leaves and using fungicides.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. pallescens Barneby, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing leaves to curl and plant growth to slow. They can be controlled using natural predators such as ladybugs or by using insecticidal soap. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant’s tissues, causing discoloration and eventually death. They can be managed by spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap. Thrips are slender, winged insects that feed on the plant’s tissues, causing damage to flower buds and leaves. They can be controlled using predatory insects or insecticides.
