Introduction
Lygodesmia grandiflora (Nutt.) Torr. & Gray var. stricta Maguire is a subspecies of the Lygodesmia grandiflora plant commonly known as the flower head daisy. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is widely distributed in Western North America.
Origin
The Lygodesmia grandiflora (Nutt.) Torr. & Gray var. stricta Maguire plant is indigenous to Western North America, including parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. It typically grows in open or scrubby areas such as deserts, prairies, and mountain slopes.
Common Names
The Lygodesmia grandiflora (Nutt.) Torr. & Gray var. stricta Maguire plant is commonly known by several names, including the desert false hawksbeard, strict desert lygodesmia, and showy skeleton plant.
Appearance
The Lygodesmia grandiflora (Nutt.) Torr. & Gray var. stricta Maguire plant is a perennial herb that can reach up to 60 cm in height. It has a thin, leafy stem that is covered with grayish-green hairs. The leaves are narrow, linear, and also covered with fine hairs. The flower heads are solitary at the tips of the branches and are showy with bright yellow or orange-yellow rays that measure about 2 to 3.5 cm in length. The fruit is a smooth dark brown achene.
Uses
The indigenous people of Western North America have traditionally used the Lygodesmia grandiflora (Nutt.) Torr. & Gray var. stricta Maguire plant for medicinal purposes. For instance, it was used to treat colds, coughs, and indigestion. The plant extracts contain two compounds believed to be useful for the treatment of cancer - grandiflorol and quercetagetin-3,7-dimethyl ether. The plant is also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies and can be used to provide visual interest in gardens and landscaping.
Light Requirements
The Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It can withstand moderate shade but prefers to grow in areas with unobstructed sun exposure. Planting in a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species has an extensive growing range, capable of thriving in different temperature conditions. However, it grows best in warm and dry environments with a moderate temperature range of 70-85°F. It can still survive in temperatures ranging from 50-100°F, but growth may be slower in cooler climates.
Soil Requirements
The Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire prefers well-draining soils with a mix of sand and loam. It can grow in rocky or sandy soils but requires adequate moisture to thrive. The recommended soil pH range is 6.0-7.5. Adding organic matter to the soil like compost or leaf mulch can help to improve soil structure and water retention.
Cultivation
Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate as it is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. This plant can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but it tends to bloom better in full sun. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is somewhat dry and can survive in rocky or gravel soils.
Propagation can be done through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds can be planted directly in the soil in the early spring. Cuttings can be taken in late summer and rooted in a well-drained soil mix.
Watering Needs
Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with minimal watering. During the growing season, watering once or twice a week is sufficient, but be careful not to over-water as it may cause root rot. During the winter, reduce watering to once or twice a month.
Fertilization
Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much fertilizer. Fertilize the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once at the beginning of the growing season. A light application of organic fertilizer like compost or bone meal in the fall will provide nutrients to the plant during the winter.
Pruning
Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire does not require pruning to maintain its shape. However, to encourage bushier growth and prolong the bloom period, deadheading spent flowers can be done regularly throughout the growing season. Additionally, the plant can be pruned back by one-third of its size in the early spring before new growth begins to refresh the plant.
Propagation of Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire
Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire, commonly known as "Nuttall's Fringed Sagebrush," is a native perennial herb that can be found in the western parts of North America, particularly in the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert.
Propagation Methods
There are several methods of propagating Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is an effective way of growing Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire. You can either gather seeds from mature plants during summer or order them from a reputable seed supplier. The ideal time to plant the seeds is during fall, but you can also store them and plant them during spring. Before planting, soak the seeds in water overnight to increase their chances of germination. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil, cover them with a thin layer of soil, and keep them moist. Germination usually occurs within 1 to 3 weeks.
Division Propagation
Lygodesmia grandiflora var. stricta Maguire can be propagated through root division. This method is more suitable for mature plants. To propagate through division, use a sharp and sterilized garden tool to separate the plant's root ball into several sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a few shoots. Plant each section in well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method is through stem cuttings. This method is suitable for mature plants with healthy stems. Take a cutting of 2-3 inches from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, dip it in a rooting hormone, and plant it in well-draining soil. Water the cutting thoroughly and keep it in a warm and humid environment until it develops roots. Once the cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into a larger pot or your garden.
Disease Management
Lygodesmia grandiflora is inherently resistant to many diseases. However, in humid conditions, it can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. To manage fungal diseases, remove infected leaves and improve ventilation to reduce humidity. Fungicide applications as preventative measures can also be effective.
Pest Management
Aphids, spider mites, and thrips are common pests that can attack Lygodesmia grandiflora. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled by insecticidal soaps or oils. Use of predatory insects such as ladybugs can also be effective. Thrips can be prevented by keeping the soil moist and by removing and destroying affected plant tissues. In severe cases, insecticides can be applied.
Regularly inspecting plants for signs of disease or pest damage can help in early identification and management. Keeping garden tools sanitized can also prevent the spread of diseases from one plant to another. Proper management of diseases and pests can help in maintaining the health and vigor of the Lygodesmia grandiflora plant.
