Overview
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin, also known as ground cedar or running pine, is a species of clubmoss that belongs to the Lycopodiaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found throughout the northern hemisphere in cool, damp areas. It is a low-growing plant that typically grows in dense mats and is highly adaptable to a wide range of soil types.Appearance
Ground cedar has a long, creeping stem that can reach up to 6 feet in length. The stem is covered with narrow, linear leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem. The leaves have a dark green color and are about 0.5 inches long. The stem also produces upright, leafless shoots that are topped with clustered spore-producing cones. The cones are reddish-brown in color and have a velvety texture.Uses
Ground cedar has a long history of traditional medicinal use by indigenous peoples. The plant contains a number of active compounds, including lycopodine and alkaloids, that have been used to treat a variety of ailments. The plant has been used to treat respiratory problems, skin conditions, and stomach ailments. In addition to its medicinal uses, ground cedar has been used for decorative purposes. The plant's attractive appearance and ability to grow in dense mats make it a popular choice for use in ground cover and as an ornamental plant.Conclusion
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin, commonly known as ground cedar or running pine, is a low-growing plant native to North America. It is highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soil types. The plant has a long history of traditional medicinal use and has been used to treat respiratory problems, skin conditions, and stomach ailments. Ground cedar is also used for decorative purposes due to its attractive appearance and ability to grow in dense mats.Light Conditions
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin prefers partial to full shade conditions for proper growth. The plant can grow in direct sunlight, but excessive exposure may cause damage to the foliage and stunt its growth. It is ideal to grow this plant under the shade of trees, as it mimics its natural habitat.
Temperature Requirements
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin is a hardy plant that can withstand low temperatures. The plant grows well in cool to moderate temperatures, with an ideal range between 10-22°C. The plant prefers a cooler temperature at night than during the day. If grown in excessively hot temperatures, the plant may dry out quickly and lose its natural green color.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in slightly acidic or neutral soils, with a pH between 5.0-7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, well-drained, and moisture-retentive. It is important to avoid planting it in waterlogged or sandy soils as it can affect its growth and development. Applying balanced nutrients and fertilizers can help to promote healthy growth and foliage.
Cultivation Methods
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin is a terrestrial plant that thrives in shady and damp environments. When cultivating this plant, it is essential to replicate its natural habitat. This plant grows well in a range of soils, including those with high acidity levels. You can propagate it through spores that grow on the plant's stalks, which you can grow indoors or outdoors in a shaded area.
Watering Needs
Watering Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin can be challenging because the plant is susceptible to root rot if the soil stays too wet. Therefore, it is best to water the plant moderately, ensuring that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. When growing Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin outdoors, natural sources of water like frequent rainfall or water bodies close by can provide adequate moisture for the plant to grow.
Fertilization
Since Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin thrives in nutrient-poor soil, it may not require too much fertilization. You can use organic fertilizers to improve the soil nutrient content gradually. Using chemical fertilizers or over-fertilizing the plant can lead to root damage or cause the plant to decline.
Pruning
Although Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin does not require much pruning, maintaining its shape and size can be beneficial. Pruning can help remove dead foliage, promote new growth, and prevent the plant from spreading uncontrollably or invading other plant species. To prune, use a sharp pair of scissors or gardening shears to cut the plant back to the desired size at the base of the stem.
Propagation of Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin, commonly known as the flattened clubmoss, is a fern ally that can be propagated through spores and rhizome division.
Propagation through spores
Propagation through spores is the most common method for propagating Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin. Spores are produced in the sporangia, which are located on the underside of the plant's fronds. The spores can be harvested when they turn brown and then sowed onto a suitable substrate.
It is important to ensure that the substrate is moist and the temperature is optimal for spore germination. Once the spores germinate, they will develop into gametophytes, which are the sex organs of the plant.
After the gametophytes have developed, they can be transplanted into a suitable growing medium to continue their growth. It can take several years for the gametophytes to develop into mature plants.
Propagation through rhizome division
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin can also be propagated through rhizome division. This method involves dividing the plant's underground rhizomes into smaller sections, each containing at least one growing point.
The divided rhizomes can be planted into a suitable growing medium and maintained under optimal environmental conditions until they develop into mature plants. This method of propagation is faster than spore propagation as it results in the production of mature plants within a shorter time frame.
It is important to note that Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin is an endangered species in many areas and should only be propagated for conservation purposes or with permission from relevant authorities.
Disease and Pest Management for Lycopodium Complanatum L. var. Gartonis Boivin
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. gartonis Boivin, commonly known as ground cedar, is a low-growing plant that is native to North America. As with any plant, ground cedar is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests that can damage or kill the plant if left untreated.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affects ground cedar is Pythium root rot. This is a fungal disease that can cause the plant to wilt and ultimately die. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and to make sure that the soil is well-draining. If the disease has already taken hold, it may be necessary to remove the affected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect ground cedar is leaf spot. This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots to appear on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected leaves and dispose of them properly. It may also be necessary to apply a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that can affect ground cedar is spider mites. These tiny insects feed on the plant's leaves and can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and to spray the leaves with a solution of water and insecticidal soap. This will help to control the population of spider mites and prevent them from causing further damage to the plant.
Another common pest that can affect ground cedar is slugs and snails. These pests feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To manage slugs and snails, it is important to keep the area around the plant free of debris and to remove any hiding places that they may use. It may also be necessary to apply a pesticide to control the population of these pests.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests on ground cedar is to monitor the plant regularly and to take action at the first sign of a problem. By doing so, you can help to protect the plant and ensure that it continues to thrive for years to come.
