Origin
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi (S. Wats.) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as Bolander's woodland pea, is a native flowering plant species in western North America. This species is found in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, where it grows in a wide range of habitats, including chaparral, woodland, meadows, and rocky slopes.
Common Names
Besides Bolander's woodland pea, this species is known by other common names, such as Wild Sweet Pea, Sierra Pea, and Bolander's Pea.
Appearance
Bolander's woodland pea is a perennial herb that grows up to two feet tall, with trailing stems that can climb over nearby vegetation. The leaves are compound and made up of two leaflets that are oval or oblong shaped, about an inch long and half an inch wide. The plant bears one to several flowers that are pink or purple with a darker spot in the center. The flowers are about 1 inch long and born at the end of thin stalks. The fruit is a legume pod with seeds that are brown and smooth-edged.
Uses
Bolander's woodland pea has medicinal properties, making it useful in traditional herbal medicines. Native American tribes have used this plant to treat aching joints, headaches, and respiratory ailments. The roots of this plant contain a compound called beta-cyanoalanine, which can cause paralysis of the lower limbs if consumed excessively, and, therefore, it's not used for food sources. Bolander's woodland pea is mainly used as a decorative plant in gardens and sometimes used for stabilizing slopes and facilitating revegetation of disturbed lands.
Light Requirements
The Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi plant prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can scorch the foliage and damage the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a location where it can receive filtered sunlight or partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi is a native plant of California and, as such, it grows best in a mild climate. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 to 70 °F (15.6 to 21.1 °C). Temperatures that are too high or too low can cause the plant to suffer and may even affect its growth or development.
Soil Requirements
The Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi plant is adaptable to various soil types. However, it prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.8. The soil should be moist but not soggy, as excessive water can lead to root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve soil health, drainage, and fertility, which can be beneficial for the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi (S. Wats.) C.L. Hitchc. is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of soil types and conditions. It prefers well-draining soils and requires moderate amounts of sunlight. This plant can be grown using both seeds and cuttings. For seed germination, sow the seeds 1-2 inches deep in the soil, ensuring a spacing of 6-8 inches between the seeds. For cuttings, remove a 3-4 inch long cutting and plant it in the soil, keeping it well-watered and sheltered from strong winds and direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi (S. Wats.) C.L. Hitchc. requires regular watering to maintain its growth, especially during the hot summer months. Watering should be done when the soil has dried out on the surface of the soil. Deep watering at least once a week is recommended to encourage root growth. Avoid overwatering the plant as it may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to maintain the health of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi (S. Wats.) C.L. Hitchc. It can be fertilized using a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season. The use of organic fertilizers is recommended as it promotes healthy plant growth and reduces the risk of damage from chemical fertilizers.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential for the proper growth and maintenance of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi (S. Wats.) C.L. Hitchc. Prune the plant to maintain its shape and to encourage new growth. It is recommended to prune the plant after flowering to remove any dead or damaged stems and to encourage the growth of new shoots. Pruning also helps in preventing diseases and pests from taking hold of the plant.
Propagation of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi (S. Wats.) C.L. Hitchc.
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi (S. Wats.) C.L. Hitchc. is commonly known as Bolander's Peavine and is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the California Coast Ranges and the Sierra Nevada. Propagation of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Bolander's Peavine is through seed propagation. Seeds of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi are readily available in the market. Sowing of seeds could be done in the late fall or early spring as per the local climatic conditions. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, around 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist throughout the germination period. Germination of the seeds may take around 2-3 weeks. In around 2-3 months, the seedlings should be big enough to transplant into pots or a prepared bed.
Division Propagation
Bolander's Peavine plants can also be propagated through division. Ideally, the time for division is spring or fall when the plant is not in an active growth phase. For division propagation, the well-established Bolander's Peavine plants need to be dug out from the ground. The rootstocks need to be divided with a sharp knife or pruner, ensuring that each separated part has several growth nodes. The divided parts can be directly replanted in pots or prepared beds with well-drained soil, watered moderately, and kept moist to aid the growth.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is also an option for Bolander's Peavine. The best time for stem cutting is in the spring season when the plant is in an active growth phase. Healthy stems should be cut from the mother plant, ensuring they are at least 6-8 inches long and have several nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed to reduce moisture loss. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil, kept moist, and placed in a shaded area to prevent water loss through transpiration. The cuttings should develop roots in 2-3 weeks and can then be transplanted into pots or prepared beds, similar to seedlings or divisions.
Disease Management
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi is susceptible to various diseases that can affect the plant's growth and yield. Common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungal pathogen, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. It can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and premature death of the plant. Management of this disease involves planting resistant cultivars, avoiding overhead irrigation, and crop rotation.
- Fusarium wilt: This disease is caused by the fungus, Fusarium oxysporum. It can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. Management of this disease involves planting resistant cultivars, improving soil drainage, and avoiding plant stress.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by the fungus, Phytophthora sp. It can cause root decay, wilting, and stunted growth. Management of this disease involves improving soil drainage, planting in well-drained soils, avoiding overwatering, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. ssp. bolanderi is also susceptible to various pests that can affect the plant's growth and yield. Common pests that affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can feed on the plant's sap and transmit viruses. Management of aphids involves using insecticidal soap or neem oil, introducing natural enemies, and practicing good cultural practices such as pruning.
- Thrips: These are tiny, slender insects that can cause damage to the plant's flowers and stem. Management of thrips involves using insecticidal soap or neem oil, introducing natural enemies, and practicing good cultural practices such as pruning and removing infected plant parts.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that can cause damage to the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or bronze. Management of spider mites involves using insecticidal soap or neem oil, introducing natural enemies, and practicing good cultural practices such as spraying water on the plant to remove mites.
