Origin
Lotus crassifolius (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber (Ottley) C.L. Hitchc. is a species of perennial herb that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to California in the United States, specifically in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including Sierran trefoil, thick-leaved lotus, and Sierra Nevada deervetch.
Uses
The Sierran trefoil is an important species in the Sierra Nevada ecosystem. It is a leguminous plant that plays a significant role in nitrogen fixation and soil improvement. Additionally, it provides food and habitat for several species of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain quail.
Aside from its ecological significance, the plant has some medicinal uses. Native Americans used it to create poultices and teas to treat a range of conditions, including infections, fever, and respiratory issues.
General Appearance
The Sierran trefoil is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 10-45cm. It has a thick, branching stem and small, rounded leaves that are 1-2 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide. The leaves are gray-green and have a dense covering of silky hairs, which gives them a velvety appearance. The plant produces clusters of small, pink or purplish flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. The seeds are contained in small, inflated pods that are 5-15mm long.
Light Requirements
Lotus crassifolius (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber (Ottley) C.L. Hitchc. prefers full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It is a sun-loving plant that thrives best when exposed to ample sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this variety of lotus in areas where there is plenty of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal growth temperature range for Lotus crassifolius (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber (Ottley) C.L. Hitchc. is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). This variety of lotus can tolerate temperatures below freezing point but cannot sustain growth in hot temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F). Therefore, it is best to plant this variety of lotus during the spring and summer seasons when temperatures are mild.
Soil Requirements
Lotus crassifolius (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber (Ottley) C.L. Hitchc. grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It prefers sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. Additionally, this variety of lotus can tolerate slightly alkaline and saline soils. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained and fertile to enable optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Lotus crassifolius (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber (Ottley) C.L. Hitchc. is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. The plant requires well-draining soil and full sun exposure to thrive. It is recommended to plant the Lotus crassifolius in early spring or fall when the temperature is cool. You can propagate the plant through seed sowing or division of the roots.
Watering Needs
The Lotus crassifolius plant requires moderate watering during its growth period. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, allowing the water to soak up to 8-10 inches deep into the soil. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and does not become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to once a month.
Fertilization
The Lotus crassifolius plant can be fertilized with an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. To prevent burning of the plant, ensure that you apply the fertilizer at the recommended rate. For organic fertilizers, you can apply compost or well-rotted manure at the base of the plant. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months when it is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning the Lotus crassifolius plant is not necessary as it naturally develops a rounded and bushy growth habit. However, you can trim the plant to remove any dead or damaged leaves, stems, or flowers. You can also trim the plant to maintain its compact size and shape. Pruning is best done in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing.
Propagation of Lotus crassifolius var. subglaber
Lotus crassifolius var. subglaber can be propagated through various means such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating Lotus crassifolius var. subglaber. Seeds can be directly sown in the garden bed during spring or fall. The method involves selecting healthy seeds, soaking them in water for 24 hours, and sowing them into the soil at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which usually takes approximately 14 to 21 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Lotus crassifolius var. subglaber can also be propagated through vegetative propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from healthy plants, which can then be rooted in a well-draining soil mix. The process involves selecting a healthy stem, cutting off a 3- to 4-inch section, and removing all of the leaves except for a few at the top. The stem cutting is then dipped into rooting hormone powder and placed into the soil. The soil should be kept moist until rooting, which can take several weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another means of propagating Lotus crassifolius var. subglaber. This method is similar to vegetative propagation, but it involves taking a longer stem cutting, usually between 6 to 8 inches in length. Like vegetative propagation, the cutting is dipped into rooting hormone powder and placed into a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist until rooting, which can take several weeks.
Disease Management
Lotus crassifolius (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber (Ottley) C.L. Hitchc. is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to certain diseases, such as:
- Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. The disease can be managed by removing and destroying infected plants and treating the soil with fungicides.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various fungi and can result in the plant's death. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and maintain proper drainage in the planting area. It is also essential to remove and destroy infected plant material and treat the soil with fungicides.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungi that lead to brown or black spots on the leaves. For management, remove and discard infected plant material, and treat the plants with fungicides.
Pest Management
Lotus crassifolius (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber (Ottley) C.L. Hitchc. can also be affected by insect pests such as:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects cause leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage an aphid infestation, remove them manually with a powerful stream of water or encourage the presence of natural aphid predators such as ladybugs.
- Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers feed on the plant sap and transmit viruses that can cause severe damage to the plant. To manage an infestation, remove weeds surrounding the plants, as leafhoppers breed in them, and treat the plants with insecticides.
- Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause significant damage to the leaves by causing discoloration and distortion. To control spider mites, remove and discard infected plant material, use a powerful stream of water to wash the leaves, and treat the plants with insecticides.
It is recommended to avoid using chemicals as much as possible and resort to biological control and other eco-friendly techniques to manage diseases and pests. Also, maintaining hygiene and a healthy growing environment can help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests in the first place.
