Origin
Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely, commonly known as Heller's deervetch, is a flowering plant in the pea family (Fabaceae). The plant is native to western North America, specifically in the states of California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Common Names
Aside from Heller's deervetch, the plant is also known by other common names, including Pursh's milkvetch, Idaho milkvetch, and perennial vetch.
Uses
The plant has several uses. It is used as forage for livestock, as the plant is high in protein and minerals. Indigenous people also use the plant for medicinal purposes, particularly for treating diarrhea and sore throats. Additionally, it has been used as a nitrogen fixer for erosion control and as a restoration species in degraded areas.
General Appearance
Heller's deervetch is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter tall. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with 8 to 12 leaflets that are mostly elliptic and 0.8 to 3.8 cm long. The plant's flowers are borne in a raceme inflorescence, which is a cluster of flowers on separate stalks along an elongated stem. The flowers are small, with a diameter of 5-8 mm, and can be pale bluish-purple or white. The fruit is a pod, which contains 1-4 seeds.
Growth Conditions for Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely
Light: This plant requires full sun exposure in order to grow properly. It should be planted in an area that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature: The best temperature range for Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely is between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It can tolerate some cold temperatures, but prolonged periods of frost can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements: This plant prefers well-draining soils with medium to high fertility. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate some dryness, but too much water can lead to root rot. Incorporating organic matter into the soil can improve its fertility and drainage capabilities.
Water: During the growing season, Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely should be watered deeply but infrequently. The plant can tolerate some drought, but it should not be allowed to completely dry out. In winter, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging of the soil, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: This plant does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer application in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Propagation: Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely can be propagated through seed or division. Seed should be sown in the fall, while division can be done in the spring or fall.
Cultivation of Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely
Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely plants thrive best in areas with lots of sunlight. They prefer well-draining soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0. Hence, it's recommended to prepare the soil before planting by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve the moisture retention ability of the soil.
Watering Needs
Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely requires adequate water to grow healthy. Newly planted seeds need to be kept moist until they germinate, and young plants until they become established. The soil should not be left soggy, but it should also not dry out completely. An adequate watering regime helps the plant to establish deep roots which can extract water and nutrients from the soil
Fertilization
Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely is not a heavy feeder and too much nitrogen exposes its vulnerability to pests and diseases. It's recommended to use slow-release organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, bone meal, or compost. Apply it at the beginning of the growing season and top it up with a little every month as the plant grows. Doing this will help the plant's growth and enhance its ability to resist pests and diseases.
Pruning
Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely plants don't require heavy pruning, but deadheading or removing spent flowers keeps the shrub looking good. Prunes should be done in late winter when the plant is still dormant. You can also re-establish old shrubs by cutting them back up to 1/3 of their size, making sure there are buds present on the branches to promote new growth.
Propagation of Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely
Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely, commonly known as Heller's lotus, is a beautiful flowering plant native to the western United States. It is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae or legume family. The plant has a high ornamental value, and its seeds can also be used as food. It can be propagated through several methods which are:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Heller's lotus is through seeds. Collect the mature seed pods from the mother plant at the end of the growing season. The seeds will be dark brown or black in color. Remove the seeds from the pods and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 60 to 70°F until germination, which usually occurs within 7 to 10 days.
Division
Heller's lotus can also be propagated through division. Dig up the rhizomes of a mature Heller’s lotus plant in early spring before the growing season begins. Cut the rhizomes into 2 to 3-inch sections, each with one or two buds. Plant the sections in a well-draining soil mix, burying them just enough to hold them in place. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 60 to 70°F until new growth emerges.
Cuttings
Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely can be propagated through softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings. Take the cuttings from a mature plant in late spring or early summer when new growth appears. Cut a stem that is at least 4 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a soil mix or vermiculite. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 70 to 75°F until roots appear, and then transplant into a potting mix.
Overall, Heller's lotus is an ornamental flowering plant that can be propagated through seeds, division, and cuttings. Choose the method that is most convenient and suitable for you. With proper care and maintenance, the plant will thrive and produce beautiful flowers.
Disease Management
The Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely plant can be susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: Appears as circular spots on the leaves and can lead to yellowing and defoliation. To manage, remove and dispose of infected leaves, ensure proper spacing between plants for good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to reduce moisture on leaves.
- Root rot: Caused by excessive moisture in the soil, leading to decay of roots. To manage, ensure proper drainage in the soil and avoid excessive watering.
- Powdery mildew: Appears as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage, prune infected areas, avoid overhead watering, and apply neem oil or other fungicides.
Pest Management
There are also several pests that may infest the Lotus purshianus F.E. & E.G. Clem. var. helleri (Britt.) Isely plant, including:
- Aphids: Small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, leading to yellowing and curling of leaves. To manage, prune infected areas, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Tiny pests that cause yellowing and webbing on leaves. To manage, prune infected areas, increase humidity around the plant, and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Larvae that feed on the leaves and flowers, causing significant damage. To manage, prune infected areas and introduce natural predators like birds or spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.
