Origin
Lotus dendroideus (Greene) Greene var. veatchii (Greene) Isely, commonly known as Veatch's trefoil, is a plant species native to North America. It is found in the southwestern parts of the United States, specifically in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Common Names
Veatch’s trefoil has several common names, including Veatch's milk-vetch, tree milkvetch, tree clover, and tree trefoil.
Uses
Veatch's trefoil has been used in several ways by the indigenous people of North America. The plant was used as a traditional remedy for several ailments, such as digestive problems and respiratory tract infections. The roots were also used as a food source.
General Appearance
Veatch's trefoil is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 1-3 feet tall. It has a woody base with several stems that grow from it. The leaves are small, with three leaflets that are about 5-10 mm long. The flowers are usually purple, pink, or white and bloom between May and July. The fruits are 2-3 cm long and have a greenish-brown color.
Light Requirements
Lotus dendroideus (Greene) Greene var. veatchii (Greene) Isely typically prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. It grows best in open areas with sunlight exposure.
Temperature Range
Lotus dendroideus (Greene) Greene var. veatchii (Greene) Isely is native to the Great Basin Desert, where it experiences large diurnal temperature fluctuations. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it typically grows best in areas with hot summers and cold winters. It can withstand freezing temperatures and snowfall during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are low in nutrients and organic matter. It typically grows in sandy or rocky soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It can tolerate drought conditions and low water availability, but it grows best in areas with periodic rainfall or irrigation. It can also tolerate moderate levels of salt in the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Lotus dendroideus (Greene) Greene var. veatchii (Greene) Isely, commonly known as Veatch's lotus, grows best in warm climates and in areas with well-draining soil. It prefers full sun exposure and requires regular watering during its growing season. It can be started from seed or propagated from rhizomes.
Watering Needs
Veatch's lotus needs regular watering during its growing season, which typically runs from spring to early autumn. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and should never dry out completely. Irrigation through flooding or overhead sprinkling may be used depending on the level of water in the area. Once the growing season is over, watering can be reduced or stopped until the next growing season.
Fertilization
Veatch's lotus can benefit from regular fertilization during its growing season. A slow-release fertilizer may be used to provide nutrients over a more extended period. A balanced fertilizer with equal ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium may be used. The fertilizer can be applied as recommended by the manufacturer and adjusted based on the plant's response.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Veatch's lotus, but it may benefit from removing old or damaged leaves and spent flowers. This will improve its appearance and encourage the growth of new leaves and flowers. The plant should never be pruned to the point of damaging its rhizome, which is responsible for its regenerative growth.
Propagation of Lotus dendroideus var. veatchii
Lotus dendroideus var. veatchii, commonly known as the Veatch's trefoil, is a leguminous perennial herb endemic to California and Nevada. The plant's propagation methods include:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way of propagating Lotus dendroideus var. veatchii is by seed. The plant produces seed pods that mature in early summer. Harvest the seed pods before they split open and extract the seeds. Clean the seeds by removing any chaff and debris. Sow the seeds in the fall, ideally in October or November, in well-draining soil. The seeds need to be stratified for several weeks before sowing to mimic the conditions in nature. You can achieve this by placing the seeds in a bag with slightly moist sand and storing them in the fridge for approximately one month.
Cuttings
Another way to propagate Lotus dendroideus var. veatchii is by taking stem cuttings. Take a 2-3 inch cutting from the plant's stem during the growing season, which is typically in the spring or summer. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the end in a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist and out of direct sunlight. The plant should form roots in approximately six weeks.
Division
If you have a mature plant, you can propagate it by division. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root system into several smaller sections. Each section should have a small stem and a set of leaves. Plant each section in well-draining soil, and keep it moist until it establishes roots and new growth.
Propagation of Lotus dendroideus var. veatchii is relatively easy using any of the methods mentioned above. By following the appropriate steps, you can propagate and grow these plants in your garden or landscape.
Disease Management
Lotus dendroideus var. veatchii can be affected by various diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant if not managed promptly. Common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease is characterized by circular spots on the leaves that are yellow or brown. The spots may have a reddish-brown border. To manage this disease, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and a fungicide should be applied as directed.
- Crown rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. It causes the roots and stem base to rot, eventually killing the plant. To manage this disease, infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the soil should be treated with a fungicide as directed.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Lotus dendroideus var. veatchii can also be infested by pests that can cause significant damage. Common pests that affect this plant include:
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye. They cause the leaves to become stippled and may produce webbing on the plant. To manage these pests, the plant should be sprayed with water or a pesticide as directed.
- Leafhoppers: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to become distorted and turn yellow. To manage these pests, the plant should be sprayed with water or a pesticide as directed.
- Mealybugs: These pests are small and white, hiding in the crevices of the plant. They suck the sap of the plant and cause stunted growth. To manage these pests, the plant should be treated with insecticide as directed.
Regular inspection of the plant, prompt identification of these pests and diseases and timely intervention can effectively minimize the damage caused to the plant.
