Introduction: Linanthastrum nuttallii (Gray) Ewan var. pubescens (Patterson) Cronq.
Linanthastrum nuttallii (Gray) Ewan var. pubescens (Patterson) Cronq. is a perennial wildflower that belongs to the family Melanthiaceae. This species is commonly known as Nuttall's desertparsely. It is native to North America, specifically found in the dry and rocky areas of western United States and Canada.
Appearance:
Nuttall's desertparsely is a perennial herb that grows up to 80 cm high. The plant has a woody base with numerous branching stems that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are deep green, linear and about 10-20 cm long. The flowers of this plant are small, white, and arranged in dense clusters at the end of the hairy stalks. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and give way to small, black, and shiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Uses:
Many indigenous people in western North America have long used Nuttall's desertparsely for medicinal purposes. They would make a poultice from the roots to treat wounds, burns, and other skin irritations. The roots and leaves of Nuttall's desertparsely also contain antioxidants and saponins, which have potential medicinal properties. Additionally, the plant is a valuable food source for wildlife, particularly for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Cultivation:
Nuttall's desertparsely grows well in dry, rocky soils. It is often found in desert habitats, but can also tolerate mildly disturbed areas such as roadsides, clearings, and woodland edges. The plant can be propagated from seeds, but it also spreads via underground rhizomes, which can make it somewhat invasive in gardens. Overall, Nuttall's desertparsely is a hardy and attractive perennial that would make a great addition to a xeriscape or native plant garden.
Light Requirements
Linanthastrum nuttallii var. pubescens requires full to partial sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may become leggy and have reduced flower production.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is typically found in temperate regions of North America and prefers cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate frost and temperatures as low as 0°C, but performs best at temperatures between 10°C and 22°C. High temperatures above 27°C can cause leaf scorch and reduce growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Linanthastrum nuttallii var. pubescens grows best in well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6 to 7.5). It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils. Adequate moisture levels are required, but the soil should not be constantly wet.
Cultivation Method for Linanthastrum nuttallii (Gray) Ewan var. pubescens (Patterson) Cronq.
Linanthastrum nuttallii (Gray) Ewan var. pubescens (Patterson) Cronq. is a hardy wildflower that can be easily cultivated in a home garden. The first step towards successful cultivation of this plant is to find a suitable location with full to partial sunlight. The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.5.
The best time to plant Linanthastrum nuttallii (Gray) Ewan var. pubescens (Patterson) Cronq. is in spring or fall when the soil is moist and cooler. The seeds can be sowed directly in the soil or started indoors and transplanted later. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch and water them gently. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate in 1-3 weeks.
Watering Needs
Linanthastrum nuttallii (Gray) Ewan var. pubescens (Patterson) Cronq. requires moderate watering once established. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. It is ideal to water the plant deeply once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions. During hot and dry weather, increase the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
Linanthastrum nuttallii (Gray) Ewan var. pubescens (Patterson) Cronq. does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can encourage better growth and flowering. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers. A slow-release fertilizer applied once or twice a year is sufficient for this plant.
Pruning
Linanthastrum nuttallii (Gray) Ewan var. pubescens (Patterson) Cronq. does not require extensive pruning. Deadheading the spent flowers can promote the growth of new blooms. Cut back the plant to half its height in late fall or early spring to stimulate new growth and maintain its shape. Avoid pruning the plant during the summer as it can delay flowering.
Propagation methods for Linanthastrum nuttallii var. pubescens
Linanthastrum nuttallii var. pubescens can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods. Here are some details about each method:
Propagating through seed
Linanthastrum nuttallii var. pubescens produces small, black seeds that can be collected and sown directly in the ground or started indoors for later transplanting. Here are some steps:
- Collect seeds from dried flowers and store them in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.
- Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. Seeds can be planted in individual containers or directly in the garden bed.
- Water the soil lightly to avoid washing away the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination should occur within two to four weeks.
- Transplant seedlings when they have grown around two inches high, making sure to space them out properly according to their mature size.
Propagating through vegetative methods
Linanthastrum nuttallii var. pubescens can also be propagated through vegetative methods like cuttings or division. Here are some steps:
Propagation through cuttings
- Select a healthy stem with no flowers or buds and cut a few inches below the top leaf node.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few at the top.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and then plant it in a well-draining soil mixture.
- Water the soil and cover the cutting with a plastic bag or clear plastic container to create a humid environment.
- After a few weeks, roots should start to form. Remove the plastic covering and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Transplant the new plant into a larger container or directly into the garden bed after roots have become established.
Propagation through division
- Choose an established plant and carefully dig up the entire root system using a shovel or garden fork.
- Divide the root system using a sharp, clean knife. Each division should have several stems and a portion of the root system.
- Plant each division in a new location, making sure to space them out properly according to their mature size, and watering the soil well.
- Water the new plants regularly and keep the soil consistently moist until they have become established.
Disease Management
Linanthastrum nuttallii var. pubescens is typically not affected by many diseases. However, under certain conditions, the plant can fall prey to some diseases, such as:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poor soil drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If the plant is infected, remove the affected parts and apply a fungicide specifically designed to control root rot.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is commonly caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To control powdery mildew, avoid overhead irrigation, prune the affected parts, and apply a fungicide as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Linanthastrum nuttallii var. pubescens is relatively pest-resistant. However, some pests can still be problematic. Some of the pests that can affect this plant species include:
- Aphids: These pests feed by piercing the plant tissues and extracting sap. They usually cause stunted growth, yellow leaves, and other deformities. To control aphids, remove the affected parts and use insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that typically infest the underside of leaves. They feed by piercing the plant tissues and withdrawing sap. Infested plants usually have yellow or brown leaves. To control spider mites, remove the affected parts and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
