Origin
Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely, commonly known as Ottley's bird's-foot trefoil, is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the western region of the United States, where it is found in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico.
Common Names
Ottley's bird's-foot trefoil is commonly known by different names among different communities. It is sometimes called Ottley's lotus, Ottley's milkvetch, or simply, bird's-foot trefoil.
Description and Uses
The plant is a low mat-forming perennial herb that typically grows up to 20 cm tall. It has pilose erect or ascending stems with widely ovate, lanceolate stipules that are fused to the petioles, forming a small cup around the branches. The leaves are pinnately compound with 3 to 5 leaflets, which are oblong or narrowly elliptic, measuring between 10 to 20 mm long. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in a small dense cluster of about 4 to 10 blooms. The fruits are 1-seeded pods that are narrow and elongated, measuring about 15-25 mm long.
Ottley's bird's-foot trefoil is an important food source for livestock and wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It is known to contain alkaloids and flavonoids, which exhibit potent antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Light Requirements
Lotus stipularis var. ottleyi requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It is not suited for shaded areas as it thrives in bright light. Therefore, it should be planted in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
Lotus stipularis var. ottleyi is native to the high desert regions of the western United States and thus is adapted to hot, dry conditions. It can tolerate temperatures up to 100°F (38°C) during the day and as low as 20°F (-6°C) at night. However, it should be protected from frost and freezing temperatures, especially during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Lotus stipularis var. ottleyi grows well in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It can withstand periods of drought, but it requires moderate moisture for optimal growth. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation of Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely
Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely, commonly known as Ottley's bird's-foot trefoil, is a beautiful plant that can provide an excellent ornamental addition to your garden. If you're planning to grow this plant, here are some of the things you should keep in mind.
The plant requires well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Loamy soil is the best for the cultivation of this plant. The soil pH range should be within 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is native to rocky and gravelly areas and grows well in areas with good drainage.
Watering Needs for Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely
Ottley's bird's-foot trefoil requires consistent watering, particularly during the growing season. The plant can survive drought conditions but regularly damp soil can encourage growth. Make sure you water the plant deeply, so the moisture can reach the roots. However, it's essential to avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot and damage the plant's health.
Fertilization of Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely
The plant doesn't need much fertilizer as it grows well in nitrogen-deficient soil. However, you can add organic fertilizer to the soil before planting to boost soil fertility. When the plant reaches the flowering stage, you can apply a small amount of a balanced fertilizer to maintain its growth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the application of the fertilizer.
Pruning of Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely
The plant doesn't require extensive pruning, but deadheading the spent flowers can encourage more blooms and make the plant look neat and tidy. You can prune the plant in early spring before new growth starts. Cut back any dead or damaged stems to encourage more robust growth. Be sure to use sterile and sharp pruning tools to prevent damaging the plant.
Propagation of Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely
Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely, commonly known as Ottley's birdfoot trefoil, is a flowering plant native to the western United States. This plant is well adapted to dry, hot conditions and is commonly found in deserts and other arid environments. If you are interested in propagating Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely, there are several methods you can use.
Seed propagation
The most common way to propagate Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely is through seed propagation. In the wild, this plant produces seeds that are dispersed by wind, water, or animals. To propagate the plant from seeds, you can collect ripe seed pods in late summer or early fall.
First, remove the seeds from the pods, then gently rub them with sandpaper or a file to break the hard seed coat. This will allow the seeds to germinate more easily. Next, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix in pots or flats. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the containers in a warm, sunny location. The seeds should germinate within two to four weeks.
Division
Another way to propagate Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely is through division. This method is useful if you have an established plant that has grown too large for its space or if you want to create additional plants for your garden.
To divide the plant, first gently dig up the entire root system. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, carefully separate the roots into multiple sections. Replant the divided sections in individual containers or in the ground, making sure to water them thoroughly. Keep the new plants in a shaded area for a week or two to help them acclimate to their new environment.
Cuttings
A third way to propagate Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely is through cuttings. This method is most effective if the plant has become woody and has stopped producing seed pods.
To take cuttings, choose a healthy stem and cut it off the main plant just above a leaf node. Remove any flowers or leaves from the lower part of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, plant the stem in a soil mix and cover it with plastic to create a humid environment. Keep the soil moist and in a shaded area until roots have formed, then transplant the new plant to a larger container or in the ground.
By utilizing these propagation methods, you can easily create new plants of Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely to enjoy in your garden or share with others.
Disease Management for Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely
Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely is a hardy plant species that can tolerate diseases to some extent. However, some diseases can still affect the plant, and it is essential to manage them to keep the plant healthy.
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and rhizoctonia crown rot are common in Lotus stipularis. Powdery mildew appears as white patches on the leaves, while rust appears as brown spots on the leaves. Rhizoctonia crown rot affects the plant's roots, causing them to decay. To manage these fungal diseases, it is essential to keep the plant clean and dry. Avoid overhead watering, and instead, water at the base of the plant. In severe cases, apply a fungicide to control fungal growth on the plant.
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial blight can affect the plant, causing black spots on the leaves and stem. To manage bacterial blight, remove the infected parts of the plant and avoid overhead watering, which can spread the bacteria. Use a copper-based fungicide to control bacterial growth.
Pest Management for Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely
Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely is also susceptible to pest attacks, which can damage the plant severely. Here are some common pests that can affect the plant:
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the plant sap, causing yellow leaves and stunted growth. To control spider mites, spray the plant with water regularly to keep them away. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites' growth.
Cutworms and loopers can also attack Lotus stipularis, cutting the plant at the base or causing holes in the leaves. To manage cutworms and loopers, remove any debris around the plant, and keep the soil moist. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) to control the pests' growth.
Caterpillars and aphids can also affect the plant, causing damage to the leaves and blooms. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their growth and remove any infected plants to prevent the spread of the pests.
Regular monitoring and proper plant care can prevent disease and pest attacks on Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. ottleyi Isely. By following the above management practices, you can ensure a healthy and productive plant.
