Origin
Lupinus cusickii S. Wats. ssp. abortivus (Greene) Cox, commonly known as the Aborting Lupine, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to North America, where it is found in the western United States, from Washington to Colorado, and southward as far as New Mexico.
Common Names
The Aborting Lupine is known by several common names, including Cusick's Lupine, Cusick's Silky Lupine, and Silver Lupine. The name "Aborting Lupine" comes from the plant's tendency to abort its lower leaflets when it experiences water stress.
Uses
The Aborting Lupine has both ornamental and ecological uses. In gardens, it is used as an accent or in mass plantings, thanks to its showy flowers and attractive foliage. In the wild, it is a key element of the ecosystem, providing habitat and forage for wildlife.
General Appearance
The Aborting Lupine is a perennial herb that grows up to 40 cm tall. It has a crown of leaves at the base of the stem, with alternate leaves along the stem. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7-11 leaflets that are elliptic to oblong in shape. Each leaflet is covered with fine silvery-green hairs that give the plant a soft, fuzzy texture.
The Aborting Lupine produces a long, upright flowering spike that can reach up to 30 cm in length. The flowers are arranged in whorls around the stem, with each whorl consisting of 8-12 flowers. The flowers are blue-purple in color and are around 1 cm long. After flowering, the plant produces a pod containing several seeds.
Light Requirements
Lupinus cusickii ssp. abortivus prefers full sunlight or partial shade. It can grow in areas with moderate shade, but it may not flower as prolifically as it would in full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Lupinus cusickii ssp. abortivus is typically found in montane meadows and slopes in central and eastern Oregon. It can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, including winter lows that can dip below zero degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs that reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Lupinus cusickii ssp. abortivus prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It can grow on a variety of soil types, including sandy loams, gravely loams, and rocky soils. The plant is adapted to areas with low to moderate fertility soil, but it will not grow well in areas with highly fertile soil. It is commonly found in soils with low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Cultivation methods
Lupinus cusickii S. Wats. ssp. abortivus (Greene) Cox is a hardy plant that can thrive in various climates. The best time to plant the seeds is in the late autumn when the soil is still warm enough to provide optimum seed germination. The soil should be moist and well-draining with a pH level ranging between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant prefers a sunny location but can also tolerate partial shade.
Watering needs
The plant needs regular watering during its growing season, which is typically from late spring to early autumn. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to ensure proper drainage. During dry spells, the plant may need extra watering to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
Lupinus cusickii S. Wats. ssp. abortivus (Greene) Cox requires little fertilization. However, applying a slow-release fertilizer in early spring can boost growth and encourage blooming. Make sure to follow the fertilizer's instructions and avoid applying too much, as excess nutrients can harm the plant's growth.
Pruning
To promote bushier growth and encourage secondary blooming, deadheading or cutting back the spent blooms is recommended. This should be done regularly throughout the growing season. Pruning can also help to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy, which can result in an unattractive appearance. However, avoid pruning after mid-summer, as this can interfere with the following year's blooming.
Propagation Methods for Lupinus cusickii S. Wats. ssp. abortivus (Greene) Cox
Lupinus cusickii S. Wats. ssp. abortivus (Greene) Cox, also known as Cusick's lupine, is a herbaceous perennial plant. It is found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, particularly in areas that have been disturbed by human activities. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Lupinus cusickii S. Wats. ssp. abortivus (Greene) Cox is through seed propagation. The seeds of this plant require stratification, which means that they need to be exposed to cold temperatures before they can sprout. To do this, the seeds can be placed in a plastic bag with a moist substrate and stored in a refrigerator for several weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in trays or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The trays or pots should be kept in a warm and bright location until the seeds germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Lupinus cusickii S. Wats. ssp. abortivus (Greene) Cox can also be done through cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a healthy plant and planting it in a rooting medium. The cutting should be taken during the plant's growing season, and should be about 6 inches long. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cutting should be kept in a warm and bright location until it forms roots, and then it can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.
Division Propagation
Propagation of Lupinus cusickii S. Wats. ssp. abortivus (Greene) Cox can also be done through division of the plant's clumps. This method involves digging up the plant and separating its clumps into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and several shoots. The sections can then be transplanted into prepared soil in a suitable location. Care should be taken to ensure that the transplanted sections are kept well-watered until they establish themselves.
Disease Management
Lupinus cusickii ssp. abortivus is generally a hardy plant, but like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and infections. Preventive measures are more effective than curative measures, so it is important to keep an eye on the plant's overall health and to take measures to maintain healthy growing conditions. Here are a few common diseases that might affect this species and how to manage them:
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that can be deadly to lupines. It is caused by overly moist soil and poor drainage, which leads to the growth of fungi that attack the roots. Preventative measures such as ensuring well-drained soil, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings and avoiding over-fertilization can assist in avoiding this disease.
If root rot is already present, remove any dead or diseased roots and re-pot the plant into fresh, well-drained soil. Fungicides may also be used as a curative measure, but prevention is usually the most effective way to manage root rot.
Fungal Leaf Spots
Fungal leaf spots are another common problem that lupines can experience. They typically manifest as small, circular or irregular-shaped spots on the leaves. Over time, these spots can merge and form larger patches. It can be managed by proper hygiene, including avoiding overhead watering, removing infected leaves and using copper-based fungicides to treat any infections.
Pest Management
Lupines are relatively resistant to many pests. However, they can still be affected by a few common pests, which can be managed through a combination of preventive measures and treatment options.
Aphids
Aphids are a common pest that love to feed on the sap of lupines. They can largely be controlled by releasing predators of aphids such as ladybugs, green lacewing larvae, and parasitic wasps, or by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. It is important to manage aphids as they can transmit viral diseases.
Cutworms
Cutworms are common caterpillar pests that can damage the stems of young lupines. Putting cutworm collars around the base of plants at transplanting time and using Bacillus thuringiensis or neem oil can help to control cutworms.
By being vigilant and following the appropriate measures to identify and manage diseases or pests, one can enjoy the beautiful foliage of Lupinus cusickii ssp. abortivus with minimal risks and concerns that come with these problems.
