Overview
Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. is a plant species native to California, Nevada, and Oregon in the United States. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and the subfamily Faboideae. The plant is also known as the trailing lupine or prostrate lupine.
Appearance
The trailing lupine is a small perennial herb that grows up to 10 centimeters tall. It has a prostrate stem that is covered with silky hairs. The leaves are divided into five to seven leaflets that are elliptic to oblong in shape. The flowers are borne in racemes at the end of the stem and are usually blue-purple or violet in color. The fruit is a cylindrical pod that contains several seeds.
Uses
The trailing lupine is primarily used for ornamental purposes. It is often planted in rock gardens, borders, and containers because of its trailing habit and attractive flowers. The plant also helps in soil improvement as it fixes nitrogen in the soil. Additionally, some Native American tribes used the plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating skin rashes and inflammation.
Overall, the trailing lupine is an attractive and useful plant that can be found in various regions of the western United States.Light Requirements
Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. requires full sunlight exposure for its growth. The minimum light intensity required for healthy growth of the plant is about six hours of full sunlight per day. The plant cannot adapt to shady or dark conditions, which can cause issues such as stunting of growth, delayed flowering, or death. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this plant in areas with high sun exposure, such as open meadows or fields.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. grows best in areas with a daytime temperature range of 15°C to 25°C and a nighttime temperature of 5°C to 15°C. Extremely wet or humid environments can cause rotting of the plant, while exposure to frost can kill it. Therefore, this plant species requires well-drained soils and dry weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. can grow in a variety of well-drained soils, from sandy to loamy types, with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil must contain a sufficient amount of organic matter, such as compost or leaf mold, for optimum plant growth. The plant requires good drainage to avoid standing of water that could cause root rot. In addition, this species absorbs nitrogen, so it is recommended to grow it with other leguminous plants that may replenish the soil with nitrogen.
Cultivation Methods for Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm.
Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. is a wildflower species that grows in the western United States. It grows well in the full sun or partial shade. If you are cultivating it, you need to ensure that it has well-draining soil.
Plant the seeds of Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. about 1/4" deep into the soil. Keep the soil moist, but not sopping wet. In addition, it's perfect to sow it in the fall season.
Watering Needs for Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm.
Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. prefers to grow in a soil that isn't too wet or too dry. Keep the soil moist but avoid getting the leaves of the plant wet. If the plant is receiving too much water, it may show signs of root rot or other fungal diseases. Therefore, it's crucial to allow the soil to dry out before you water the plant again.
Fertilization of Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm.
Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. responds well to slow-release fertilizers. You can also use a balanced fertilizer by following the manufacturer's instructions on the label. Apply the fertilizer after the plant has started to establish and is in its active growth phase. Avoid overfertilizing the plant because this can lead to a weaker plant, smaller flowers, and fewer seeds.
Pruning of Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm.
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's health and longevity. Prune the faded flowers and dead leaves to prevent pests and diseases. Cut out the dead and damaged stems during the fall season when the plant is entering its dormant stage. Also, cutting back the stems will help to encourage dense and bushier growth in Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm.
Propagation of Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm.
Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. can be propagated by several methods including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method and can be done in the fall or spring. The seeds should be soaked overnight in warm water before sowing. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 55-65°F. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 inch and spaced about 6 inches apart. The seedlings should be kept consistently moist until they reach maturity.
Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is possible but requires more care and attention. Cuttings should be taken from the top layer of stem and should be around 2-3 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and place the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Water until moist and keep the pot in a warm, bright area until roots form. Once roots have formed, the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division
Propagation by division can be done in the spring or fall. Dig up the entire plant and carefully separate the clumps. Each clump should have a full set of roots and a minimum of 3-5 stems. Replant each clump at the same depth it was removed at and water the transplants until moist. Division is a great way to propagate mature plants without having to wait for seedlings to grow.
Disease Management for Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm.
Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. is generally a healthy plant and can resist many diseases. However, certain conditions or practices may encourage the growth of diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Bacterial Wilt
Bacterial wilt is a serious disease that can affect all plant parts and cause a rapid wilt and death of the plant. The bacteria that cause the disease can survive in the soil for several years. The disease can spread through infected seed, soil, infected plant debris, or irrigation water. One way to manage the disease is by planting resistant varieties. Crop rotation is also a good way to reduce the infection rate. In case of an infection, remove the infected plants and destroy them. Sterilize the soil and tools that have come into contact with the infected plants.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases affect the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant and can cause wilting, spotting, rotting, and drop off of the affected parts. The diseases can spread through wind, water, and insects. To reduce the spread of fungal diseases, remove and destroy the infected plant parts as soon as possible. Use clean and sterile cutting tools to control the spread of the disease. Proper irrigation and drainage can also help to prevent fungal diseases.
Pest Management for Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm.
Here are some common pests that might affect Lupinus caudatus Kellogg var. submanens C.P. Sm. and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant. They can cause slow growth, premature wilting, and yellowing of leaves. Good management practices such as crop rotation, weed control, and removal of the infected parts can control the spread of aphids. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the infestation.
Cutworms
Cutworms are larvae of several moth species that can cut the stem of seedlings at the soil level. They can cause plant death or stunt growth. To control cutworms, use physical barriers such as collars made of cardboard or plastic around the base of young plants. You can also apply Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural insecticide that affects only the caterpillars.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves and cause discoloration, stunted growth, and leaf drop. They thrive in dry conditions. To control spider mites, increase humidity levels around plants, keep the soil moist, and prune out the heavily infested parts. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the infestation.
