Overview
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus (Greene) Abrams, commonly known as the purple woollypod, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This species is native to the western United States, including California, Nevada, and Arizona.General Appearance
The purple woollypod is a perennial plant that grows up to three feet tall. It has hairy stems that are light green in color and are supported by tendrils that allow the plant to climb and twine around other plants. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with three to six leaflets that are oval or oblong in shape and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are usually purple, occasionally pink, and are arranged in clusters of six to twelve at the end of the stems. The fruit is a hairy, cylindrical pod that is two to three inches long.Common Names
The purple woollypod is also commonly known as purple vetchling, wild pea, and woollypod vetch.Uses
The purple woollypod has limited commercial or medicinal use. However, it is known to be a valuable forage plant for wildlife, especially deer and rabbits. In the wild, this plant grows in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, oak woodlands, and open grasslands. It is also used for erosion control and highway beautification. Overall, Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus is a beautiful and useful plant that is native to the western United States. With its distinctive purple flowers and hairy pods, it is an attractive addition to any garden or natural area.Light Requirements
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus requires full or partial sunlight exposure to grow. Although it can tolerate partial shade, flowering may be reduced if the plant does not receive enough sunlight. It is recommended to plant this species in areas that receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is adapted to grow in a variety of temperature ranges. However, it prefers warm temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10, indicating the tolerance for both cold and warm temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and high in nitrogen. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal for this plant species. It does not tolerate heavy, compact, or waterlogged soils, which can cause stress and lead to reduced vigor and health.
Cultivation of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus (Greene) Abrams
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus (Greene) Abrams is a perky flowering plant that requires proper care and maintenance to thrive. To cultivate this plant, you need to follow the below guidelines:
When planting the seeds, ensure that they are sowed in well-draining soil that has been worked to a depth of eight inches, and is enriched with organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure.
The planting location should receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily, and the soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus (Greene) Abrams
Once the seedlings have sprouted, you should be careful with watering the plant. Over-watering can lead to the development of root rot disease, while under-watering can lead to stunted growth and poor production of flowers.
A good measure is to water the plant deeply once or twice per week, allowing the soil around the plant to dry out slightly before the next watering. Be sure to avoid saturating the foliage and flowers as this can cause them to rot.
Fertilization of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus (Greene) Abrams
To ensure healthy growth and a vibrant bloom, it is essential to feed the plant with a balanced and slow-release fertilizer two to three times during the growing season. Nitrogen-based fertilizers, in particular, stimulate rich foliage growth.
The first dose of fertilizer needs to be applied right after planting, while the subsequent applications should be done when the plant has reached six inches and is starting to bloom.
Pruning of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus (Greene) Abrams
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus (Greene) Abrams requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size. You need to regularly remove spent flowers and seed pods to encourage the production of new flowers.
If the plant becomes too bushy or teeming, you can delicately thin out a few branches or top it up to encourage new growth. Pruning should be done in early spring, before the growing season commences.
Propagation of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus (Greene) Abrams
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus (Greene) Abrams can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds can be collected from the plant when they are fully matured and have turned brown. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned, dried, and stored for at least one month to improve germination rates. To propagate the plant from seeds, they should be sown in a well-drained seed starting mix. The mixture should be kept moist, but not soaked, until the seeds germinate. Germination usually occurs within two to four weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another way to propagate Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus (Greene) Abrams. Cuttings should be taken from the plant in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from new shoots that are green and healthy and should be at least 4 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid location and misted regularly to prevent it from drying out. It should root within two to four weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus, commonly known as Blue Idaho Pea, can fall victim to several diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management practices are crucial for healthy growth and development of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spotting, stem and pod lesions, and can ultimately result in plant death. To manage anthracnose, use disease-free seed and remove any infected plant debris immediately. Fungicides can be used for severe cases.
Rust: Rust appears as yellow to brown spots on the foliage and can lead to reduced plant vigor and yield. Regular inspection of the plant and removal of infected leaves can help manage rust. Fungicides can also be used, but prevention is key.
Root Rot: Excessive moisture and poor drainage can cause root rot, leading to the death of the plant. Avoid over-watering and provide proper drainage to manage root rot. Fungicides can be used as a preventative measure.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects can cause distorted leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage aphids.
Spider Mites: Spider mites cause discoloration and disfiguration of the foliage and can spread quickly. Regular inspection and spraying of the plant with water can help manage spider mites. In severe cases, use miticides.
Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stem, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, apply insecticides or use physical barriers, such as collars, around the base of the plant.
In summary, proper disease and pest management practices, including regular inspections, early detection, and use of preventive measures, can help maintain the health and vigor of Lathyrus vestitus Nutt. var. violaceus.
