Origin of Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene ssp. adsurgens (Dunkle) Raven
Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene ssp. adsurgens (Dunkle) Raven is a species of flowering plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. The plant is native to North America, including the western United States, particularly in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.Common Names and Uses
Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene ssp. adsurgens (Dunkle) Raven is commonly known as the Silver Lotus or the Desert Lotus. The plant has several uses, including as a food source for cattle and forage for wildlife. Native Americans also used the dried stems and leaves of the plant to weave baskets and mats.General Appearance
The Silver Lotus is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60 centimeters in height. The plant has a woody base, with several stems emerging from it. The stems are covered with fine silver-white hairs and have small leaves, which are also covered in hairs. The Silver Lotus produces small yellow flowers, which bloom from March to June, and are followed by small, brown, curved seedpods. The plant thrives in hot, arid habitats, such as sandy or rocky soils and can often be found in dry washes or on the edges of deserts. The Silver Lotus is an important plant in the ecosystem, providing food and habitat for several species of birds and mammals.Light Requirements
Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene ssp. adsurgens (Dunkle) Raven is a sun-loving plant that requires at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure daily. It grows well in full sunlight and can also tolerate partial shade, particularly in hot climates.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures and can withstand hot and dry conditions. The ideal temperature range for Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene ssp. adsurgens (Dunkle) Raven is between 65°F to 85°F. Cooler temperatures may slow down the growth rate and delay the flowering period.
Soil Requirements
Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene ssp. adsurgens (Dunkle) Raven prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 6.0 to 7.0. Fertile soils are beneficial for optimal plant growth and encourage the bloom formation.
Cultivation
Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene ssp. adsurgens (Dunkle) Raven, also known as Apache plume, is a woody shrub that is native to the southwestern region of North America. It is commonly found in dry and rocky areas and can tolerate extreme temperatures, making it an easy plant to grow outside.
When cultivating Apache plume, it is important to plant it in well-draining soil. This will prevent the roots from rotting and ensure good growth. The plant prefers full sunlight and can thrive in all types of soil, including sandy and clay soils.
Watering Needs
Apache plume is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive on low levels of water. However, during the growth season, it is important to water the plant regularly. The plant should be watered deeply, and the soil should be allowed to dry out before the next watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to be cautious about watering. During winter, watering should be reduced to prevent the plant from getting frozen.
Fertilization
Apache plume does not require much fertilization as too much can lead to unwanted growth and hinder its natural beauty. The plant is adapted to grow on nutrient-poor soils and can thrive without additional fertilizers. However, if you want to fertilize, do so lightly and with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. You can feed your Apache plume in late winter, before the growing season begins, to encourage new growth while avoiding over-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning of the Apache plume can be done in late winter or early spring. This should be done to remove dead or damaged branches and allow the plant to grow better. Pruning also helps to shape the plant and maintain its compact appearance. The plant should be pruned to maintain its natural shape, and over-pruning should be avoided.
Propagation of Lotus argophyllus ssp. adsurgens
Lotus argophyllus ssp. adsurgens can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds of this plant can be collected from the mature pods during the months of June to August. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place for up to one year. The seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed during the fall season or in early spring. They should be sowed at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch and spaced about 6 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which usually takes 7 to 14 days depending on the conditions.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Lotus argophyllus ssp. adsurgens can also be propagated by cuttings and division.
Cuttings are taken from the mature plant during the months of June to August. The cuttings should be about 3 to 4 inches long and should contain at least two nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mixture and watered regularly until roots develop, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Once roots are established, the new plant can be transferred to a larger container or directly into the garden bed.
Division is another method of vegetative propagation. This method involves separating the roots of a mature plant and planting the divided segments in a new location. This method is best carried out during the fall months when the plant is dormant. The plant should be dug up, and the roots should be separated into smaller segments, each containing at least one shoot. The separated segments can then be planted directly into the garden bed or into containers with well-draining soil.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases of the Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene ssp. adsurgens (Dunkle) Raven is powdery mildew. This fungal infection can damage the plant's leaves, stem, and flowers, leading to reduced plant growth and yield. To manage powdery mildew, you can use fungicides such as sulfur, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate. Make sure you apply the fungicide before the infection becomes severe. Additionally, you can improve air circulation around the plant and avoid watering the foliage to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Lotus argophyllus is root rot caused by soil-borne fungi. This disease can kill the plant, and there is no cure once the plant is infected. However, you can prevent root rot by avoiding overwatering the plant, ensuring proper drainage, and maintaining good soil hygiene by removing plant debris and weeds.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that can infest the Lotus argophyllus is spider mites. These tiny insects can cause leaf damage, slow plant growth, and eventually kill the plant. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or predatory mites. These methods are effective in preventing and controlling spider mite infestation. It would also help if you periodically checked for spider mites to catch any infestation in its early stages.
Thrips are another common pest that can feed on the plant's leaves and flowers, causing them to deform or die. To manage thrips, you can use sticky traps, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Additionally, you can improve plant hygiene, such as regularly removing plant debris and weeds, to reduce the pest's population. It would help if you also avoided overfertilizing the plant, as thrips thrive in high-nitrogen environments.
