Origin
Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera, also known as sticky lessingia, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family native to California in the United States. It can be found in coastal regions from San Francisco to San Diego and in some inland areas as well.
Common Names
In addition to sticky lessingia, this plant is also commonly known as glandscale lessingia, sticky-heads, and sticky everlasting.
Uses
Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera is primarily used for ecological purposes, such as erosion control and habitat restoration. Its extensive root system makes it well-suited for stabilizing slopes and reducing the risk of landslides. It is also a popular choice for landscaping due to its attractive foliage, with clusters of small green leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in late summer.
General Appearance
Sticky lessingia is a compact, multi-branched perennial herb that typically grows to be between 1 and 3 feet tall. Its stem is hairy and glandular, with sticky resin dots that give the plant its common name. The leaves are narrow and smooth with pointed tips, arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are small and yellow, with a thistle-like appearance, and are surrounded by sticky bracts. The plant's fruit is an achene, which is a dry, one-seeded fruit with a hard coat.
Light requirements
Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Any shade or partial shade can hinder their growth and development.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature for Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera is between 50°F to 80°F. It can tolerate high temperatures up to 95°F but can suffer damage if exposed to freezing temperatures, especially in its juvenile phase. Winter frost and snow can also damage the plant, so it is advisable to protect it during extreme weather conditions.
Soil requirements
Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera prefers well-draining soils with good fertility and a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant can thrive in sandy, loamy or clay soils as long as they have good drainage and moisture retention capacity. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils or drought conditions for extended periods. Adding organic materials such as compost or aged manure to the soil before planting can improve soil quality and provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth.
Cultivation of Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera
Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera is a plant that is commonly found in the western regions of the United States. The plant has a unique beauty and can be cultivated in gardens or as potted plants. In this section, we will provide some guidelines for the proper cultivation of Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera.
Watering Needs of Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera
Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera requires regular watering to grow and thrive. However, over-watering can damage the plant, so it is essential to be careful when watering. The best approach is to allow the soil to dry out before watering again. The frequency of watering should be adjusted according to the climate in your area, as well as the size of the pot or garden.
Fertilization of Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera
To encourage the growth of Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera, regular fertilization is necessary. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen as this will help with the growth of the foliage. Fertilize the plant at least once a month during the growing season, but be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully. Too much fertilizer can be harmful to the plant.
Pruning of Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera
Pruning is necessary for Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera to promote a healthy growth cycle and maintain its size and shape. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the growing season starts. Use a sharp pair of pruning shears and cut back any dead or damaged growth, removing any weak or broken branches. To encourage fuller growth, cut back any overly long stems as well.
Propagation of Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera
Propagation is the act of reproducing the plant from a part or parts of it. There are several methods of propagation, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera can be propagated via seeds. The seeds ripen in autumn and can be sown immediately or stored and sown in the spring. The plant prefers full sun to light shade and a well-drained soil. The seedlings should be thinned to 20-30 cm apart to avoid overcrowding.
Cuttings
Another propagation method is through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in early summer and rooted in sand or a sand/peat moss mixture can quickly establish themselves. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and taken from young growth. The rooted cuttings can be planted out in the following spring.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera. The best time for division is in early spring when the soil has warmed up. The plant can be divided into smaller sections, each with its own roots, and planted separately. The divided plants should be watered well until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Lessingia Glandulifera Gray var. Glandulifera
Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera, commonly known as sticky Lessingia, is a hardy plant that is known for its resilience. However, it is not invulnerable to diseases and insect pests that can impact its growth and eventually kill it if not managed effectively. Here's a look at some of the most common diseases and pests that can affect Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera, and how they can be managed:
Common Diseases
1. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that is caused by the over-watering of the plant. The fungus affects the roots and causes them to turn brown and mushy. To manage this disease, it is important to reduce the amount of water the plant receives. Make sure that the soil is well-drained, and avoid planting the plant in areas that are prone to waterlogging.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It causes a white powdery substance to develop on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure good air circulation around the plant. Remove any leaves that are heavily infected with the fungus. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause the leaves of the plant to wilt and curl. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also help manage the pest.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap. They are difficult to see with the naked eye, but their presence can be detected by the yellowing of the leaves. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Keeping the plant well-watered can also help prevent an infestation.
By taking proactive steps to manage diseases and pests, you can keep your Lessingia glandulifera Gray var. glandulifera plant healthy and thriving.
