Overview
Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley is a shrub in the pea family Fabaceae, native to western North America. It is commonly referred to as short keel bush clover or dwarf goldenbanner. This plant is known for its medicinal properties and ecological role as a nitrogen-fixing plant.
Description
Short keel bush clover is a small, deciduous shrub that typically grows up to 1 meter tall. It has a woody stem, with numerous small branches that grow in an upright manner. The leaves are 3-4 cm long, consisting of three leaflets that are narrow and lance-shaped. The flowers are arranged in dense clusters of bright yellow that are present at the ends of the branches. These flowers are about 1 cm long and bloom from May to July. The fruits are small, dry pods that are clustered together.
Origin and Distribution
The short keel bush clover is native to the western parts of North America, including states like California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. It is usually seen growing in arid or semi-arid environments and can also be found in disturbed habitats like roadsides, dry slopes, and open grasslands.
Uses
Short keel bush clover has both medicinal and ecological uses. It contains flavonoids and alkaloids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and act as a natural diuretic in the human body. Traditionally, Native American tribes used the plant to treat various ailments like stomach aches, rheumatism, and kidney infections.
The ecological significance of short keel bush clover lies in its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic relationships with bacteria. This makes it an important plant in ecological restoration projects, especially in regions where soil fertility is low, and plant growth is limited. It is also a food source for a wide range of insects and is especially attractive to bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley requires full sun to thrive. The plant prefers bright direct sunlight for at least six hours daily. Inadequate sunlight results in stunted growth and reduced flowering. Excessive shade hinders pollination and the development of seed pods.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is most productive in an environment with mild to hot temperatures. Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley is hardy and can endure temperatures as low as -30°C. Temperatures in excess of 40°C can damage the plant. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 15°C and 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley flourishes in a well-draining sandy loam soil. A pH of between 6 and 7.5 is ideal for optimal growth. The soil must be fertile and rich in organic matter to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. The soil should also be free from weeds that compete with Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley for water and nutrients.
Cultivation
Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley, commonly known as Western broom, is a legume plant native to the western United States. It is a hardy perennial that thrives in dry to moderately moist soils and has excellent root systems that aid in nitrogen fixation. The plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
When planting Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley, ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant requires a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Sow the seeds in late fall or early spring to make the most of natural precipitation. The seed should be sown 3-4mm deep and spaced at 15-20cm apart. Germination occurs within two to four weeks, and the seedlings should be thinned to 60-80cm apart.
Watering Needs
Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley is a drought-tolerant plant and does not need much water once established. However, consistent watering during the first growing season is crucial for the plant's survival. New plants should get watered weekly to help them establish deep roots, but once established, water them only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it can make its own fertilizer. However, applying a slow-release fertilizer, such as a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, during the plant's growing season can aid in its growth and development. Fertilize the plant during the spring and summer months, following the package instructions.
Pruning
Pruning Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley is essential to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in the early spring before the new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and cut back the plant to encourage fuller growth. Avoid excessive pruning, as it can cause damage to the plant's structure.
Propagation of Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley
Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley, commonly known as western bird's-foot trefoil or foothill bird's-foot trefoil, is a leguminous plant that is native to the western United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through seed or vegetative methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley can be collected in the fall when they ripen, and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time in the spring. Before planting, the seeds should be scarified or soaked in hot water to soften the hard seed coat. Scarification can be done by mechanically nicking or scratching the seed coat, or by using an acid treatment.
Seeds are best sown in early spring or fall, directly into a prepared seedbed. The seedbed should be well-draining with loose soil, and the seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep. Germination of the seeds usually occurs within 10 to 14 days.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley can be done through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings taken in the summer or fall from mature plants can be rooted in a well-draining rooting medium.
Division of the plant can be done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The clumps of the plant should be carefully dug up, and the roots separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem and a sufficient amount of roots. The divided plants can then be replanted into a well-prepared planting bed.
Disease Management
Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant. However, some diseases may affect it, causing damage and reducing its yield. Here are some common diseases that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Crown Rot: This disease occurs due to a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots and crown of the plant. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering the plant, and remove infected plants from the garden.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another common disease that affects Lotus scoparius. It appears as dark spots on the leaves, which can cause the leaves to yellow and drop off. To manage this disease, remove infected plant debris, provide good airflow around the plant, and avoid overhead watering that can spread the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering, maintain good airflow, and remove infected plant debris promptly.
Pest Management
Lotus scoparius (Nutt.) Ottley var. brevialatus Ottley is generally pest-resistant. However, here are some common pests that may attack the plant:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and its leaves to yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, prune heavily infested plants, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to the garden.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that cut through the plant stem at the soil level, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use barrier methods, such as collars made from cardboard or plastic, and handpick any caterpillars you see.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and brown. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, provide good airflow, and remove any infected plants promptly.
