Overview
Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is also known by its common name, Eggleston's lupine, and is native to North America.
Appearance
Eggleston's lupine reaches heights of up to three feet and has a dense, upright growth habit. The plant features multiple stems that arise from its base and are adorned with palmate leaves composed of 5-9 leaflets. Its foliage is gray-green and silky in texture. Eggleston's lupine begins blooming in late spring and continues to produce flowers through early summer. Its flowers are clustered in long spikes and are usually deep blue to purple in color.
Uses
Eggleston's lupine is a beneficial plant used for erosion control, reclamation of disturbed sites, and as a forage crop for wildlife. It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as coughs and rheumatism.
Cultivation
Eggeston's lupine prefers to grow in well-drained, moist soil and does best in full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought conditions, making it ideal for growing in areas prone to long periods of dry weather. Seeds should be sown directly into the ground in the fall, and the plant will produce a deep taproot that makes it difficult to transplant.
Overall, Eggleston's lupine is a versatile and lovely plant that serves many purposes in both the wild and cultivated landscapes.Light Requirements
Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm. typically requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It may be able to tolerate some light shade, but it may not thrive or flower as well in such conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is native to mountainous areas and can tolerate a range of temperatures, including cold winters and warm summers. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C) and as high as 80°F (27°C). However, it may not tolerate extreme heat and drought conditions for extended periods of time.
Soil Requirements
Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm. prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH of 6.0 to 7.5). It can tolerate some level of soil moisture but does not grow well in waterlogged or poorly drained soils. Sandy loam or loamy soils with good organic matter content are generally preferred.
Cultivation
Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm. thrives in well-drained, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in areas with full sun exposure, although it can tolerate partial shade. The plant is native to dry open woods and slopes and is adapted to the dry, hot climates of the western United States.
Watering Needs
Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm. is a drought-tolerant plant, meaning that it can withstand long periods without water. However, regular watering is necessary during the first few months of growth to help the plant establish a sturdy root system. Once established, the plant should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not usually necessary for Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm., as it is capable of fixing its own nitrogen by forming symbiotic relationships with certain soil bacteria. However, addition of a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer during the early stages of growth can help establish a healthy root system and promote vigorous growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm., as it is a relatively low-maintenance plant that produces very few dead or damaged branches. However, cutting back the plant after flowering can help promote a second flush of blooms. Care should be taken not to cut back too much, as excessive pruning can weaken the plant.
Propagation of Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm.
Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm. can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods. The plant naturally self-seeds, which is one way to propagate it.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation involves collecting seeds from the plant's pods. The pods should be left on the plant until they turn brown and dry. Then, the pods should be harvested and the seeds inside should be removed. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until planting season.
The seeds can be directly sown in the garden in the spring after the last frost. They should be planted in a well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. The seeds should be kept moist until they germinate in about 10-15 days. Once they reach a height of 4-6 inches, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation involves using cuttings or division.
Cuttings can be taken in the summer when the plant has finished blooming. The cuttings should be taken from the plant's stem, just below the node. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be dipped in rooting hormone. Then, they should be planted in a well-draining soil and kept moist until they root, which should take about 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
The plant can also be propagated through division. This involves digging up the plant and dividing the root system into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem and a sufficient amount of roots. The sections can be replanted in their permanent location.
Disease Management
Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm. is susceptible to various fungal diseases, including:
- Rust: This disease causes yellowish-orange or brownish-red pustules to form on the leaves and stems and can weaken the plant significantly.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew can affect the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and fall off prematurely.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and ultimately die.
To prevent these diseases, it is important to provide adequate air circulation around the plant and avoid overwatering. In the case of an infection, affected parts should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread. Fungicides can also be applied as a preventative measure, but should be used sparingly to avoid harming beneficial insects and pollinators.
Pest Management
Lupinus sericeus Pursh ssp. sericeus var. egglestonianus C.P. Sm. can be attacked by a number of insect pests, such as:
- Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can cause stunted growth and damage to new growth.
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can cause stippling on foliage and reduce plant vigor.
- Leafhoppers: These insects can cause yellowing and distortion of leaves, as well as stunt growth.
To control these pests, a combination of cultural and chemical methods may be used. Cultural methods include removing weeds and debris from around the plant to reduce habitats for pests and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs. In severe infestations, insecticides can be applied, but it is important to follow instructions carefully and avoid harming beneficial insects.
