Origin
Machaeranthera bigelovii (Gray) Greene var. mucronata (Greene) B.L. Turner, commonly known as the Bigelow's Tansy Aster or Mucronate Tansy Aster, is a perennial herbaceous plant species native to North America. It is commonly found in the western United States from California to Montana, growing primarily in dry, rocky mountainous areas.
Common Names
The Bigelow's Tansy Aster is also known by other common names like the Mucronate Tansy Aster, Spinyleaf Tansy Aster, and Bigelow Aster.
Uses
The Bigelow's Tansy Aster has been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes to treat conditions like digestive problems, respiratory ailments, and skin irritations. The plant has also been used as a natural dye due to its yellow pigmentation.
General Appearance
The Bigelow's Tansy Aster typically grows up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide with multiple stems branching from the base. The leaves of the plant are oblong, narrow, and spiny with a grey-greenish hue. The plant produces flowers from late spring until early fall, with each flower having a yellow disc floret surrounded by 20-40 ray florets that range from blue, purple, pink, or white. The seeds of the plant are small and have hair-like structures that aid in dispersal by wind.
Light Requirements
Machaeranthera bigelovii var. mucronata is a species that requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant requires at least six hours of sunlight every day. Plants that receive less sunlight typically grow taller, spindly, and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is generally classified as a desert plant and hence can withstand high temperatures of up to 40°C. The plant thrives in hot environments, and temperatures below ?10°C can be severely detrimental to its growth. In the wild, it grows in rocky areas, dry hills, and plains that are prone to wildfires.
Soil Requirements
Machaeranthera bigelovii var. mucronata is a plant that prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soils. The soil should be moderately fertile, with a pH level between 5.6 and 7.8. It should also be slightly acidic. The plant thrives in soil that is fast-draining and can retain some moisture. Adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss to the soil will improve its texture and fertility.
Cultivation
Machaeranthera bigelovii (Gray) Greene var. mucronata (Greene) B.L. Turner, commonly known as Bigelow's Tansy Aster, is a hardy, drought-resistant plant that can tolerate various soil types, including loam, clay, and sand. The plant can grow in full sun or partial shade, making it easy to cultivate in most gardens.
The cultivation process begins with suitable soil preparation. If the soil in the garden is too sandy, amend it with organic matter to improve its water retention capacity. Conversely, if the soil is heavy in clay, add grit and sand to loosen it up, improve drainage, and prevent root rot.
Plant the seeds or transplants in early spring after the last frost. Space them 6 to 12 inches apart, as the plant can spread up to 12 inches wide. Ensure the soil is moist but not overly wet, as waterlogging can cause root rot.
Watering Needs
Bigelow's Tansy Aster is drought-resistant and requires minimal watering. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. During the hot summer months, it may require weekly watering, but reduce watering in the fall and winter to avoid waterlogging the soil, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization
The plant is low maintenance and does not require fertilizer. However, if you wish to encourage more blooms, apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 in early spring. Don't over-fertilize, as this can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Pruning
Bigelow's Tansy Aster does not require regular pruning, but it benefits from deadheading. Remove spent blooms by cutting the stem below the flower head to encourage more buds to form. At the end of the growing season, cut back the stems to ground level to prepare the plant for winter dormancy.
Propagation of Machaeranthera bigelovii (Gray) Greene var. mucronata (Greene) B.L. Turner
Machaeranthera bigelovii (Gray) Greene var. mucronata (Greene) B.L. Turner, commonly known as Bigelow's tansy aster or sticky aster, is a perennial wildflower native to the southwestern United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The best time to sow seeds of Machaeranthera bigelovii is in the fall when temperatures are cooler. The seeds need a period of cold stratification to germinate, so they can be directly sown into the ground in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Alternatively, they can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. Seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination, which typically takes between 10 to 20 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted outdoors or into larger pots.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from mature plants in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a stem that is healthy and has at least two nodes. Cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem, removing any leaves from the bottom half. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a container filled with a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the container in a location with bright, indirect light. It may take several weeks for the cutting to root. Once roots have formed, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or outdoors into its permanent location.
Disease Management
Machaeranthera Bigelovii is vulnerable to various diseases, some of which can be easily prevented through appropriate management strategies.
Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease affecting the leaves and stems of plants. It causes yellowing, wilting, and extensive dieback. To prevent the spread of this disease, avoid overhead watering and ensure proper drainage. Infected plants can be treated with copper-based fungicides.
Fungal leaf spot: Fungal leaf spot is a common disease affecting Machaeranthera Bigelovii. It causes circular, black or brown spots on leaves that eventually turn into holes. Ensure good air circulation and avoid watering the foliage. Fungicides containing copper, sulfur, or neem oil can provide effective control of fungal leaf spot.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in a powdery white coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To prevent this disease, maintain proper air circulation and avoid over-fertilization. Fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate, sulfur, or neem oil can be used to control powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Machaeranthera Bigelovii is also vulnerable to pest infestations. Below are some common pests that can affect the plant and how to manage them:
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, you can spray the plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Alternatively, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control aphids.
Spider mites: Spider mites are small arachnids that feed on the leaves of plants, causing yellowing, mottling, and defoliation. They are tiny and hard to spot with the naked eye. To control them, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny winged insects that feed on the flowers and leaves of plants. They cause small, black or silver spots on leaves and flowers. In severe cases, they may cause wilting and distortion of the plant. To control these pests, you can use yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
