Overview
Machaeranthera blephariphylla (Gray) Shinners is a flowering plant that belongs to the genus Machaeranthera within the family Asteraceae. It is a North American native plant that grows in open, dry areas of the southwestern United States and Mexico, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Durango.
Common Names
Machaeranthera blephariphylla is commonly known as eyelash tansyaster, smooth tansyaster, and eyelash tansy-aster, based on its physical features and growth habitat.
General Appearance
Machaeranthera blephariphylla has a basal rosette of leaves that are hairy, simple, toothed, and somewhat lobed. The leaves are up to 8 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide. The plant's flowers are glowing purple or violet with yellow centers, and typically bloom between March and September.
Machaeranthera blephariphylla is an upright, bushy perennial herb that grows up to 60 centimeters tall. It has numerous branches that form a bushy cluster. The stems are mostly hairless, and the flowers are borne at the stem apex.
Uses
The Native Americans used Machaeranthera blephariphylla for medicinal purposes, including treating stomach discomfort, headache, and fever.
The plant is also used as a horticultural plant in dry gardens or rock gardens as it prefers dry, well-draining soils and full sun. It is drought-resistant and tolerant of poor soils. Machaeranthera blephariphylla is attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees, making it a beneficial addition to any garden or landscape for its ecological value.
Light Requirements
Machaeranthera blephariphylla typically requires full sunlight to grow successfully. This plant thrives in habitats exposed to direct sunlight, such as meadows, rocky slopes, and hillsides. Insufficient light can cause stunted growth and poor flowering quality.
Temperature Requirements
As a native of the southwestern United States, Machaeranthera blephariphylla is adapted to a wide range of temperatures. This plant is tolerant of high temperatures, ranging from 60°F to 90°F during the growing season. However, it can also withstand colder temperatures, down to 10°F. Extreme heat and cold can still impact overall growth, but a suitable temperature range will promote the health of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Machaeranthera blephariphylla include well-draining, sandy soils. The plant prefers soils with a neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.5. It can also tolerate soils that are slightly acidic or alkaline. To ensure good growth, it is recommended to amend heavy clay or poorly drained soils with organic matter to enhance drainage and improve nutrient availability.
Cultivation Methods
Machaeranthera blephariphylla, commonly known as eyelash aster, is a native plant to North America and can be found in dry, rocky areas. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure to grow. It is best cultivated from seeds in the spring and can also be propagated through cuttings.
Watering Needs
It is important not to overwater Machaeranthera blephariphylla as it is tolerant to drought conditions. Water the plant deeply once a week during hot and dry weather, and reduce watering during cooler months. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Machaeranthera blephariphylla is not a heavy feeder and does not require regular fertilization. Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer once in the spring before new growth begins. Alternatively, organic matter such as compost can be added to the soil to provide nutrients.
Pruning
Eyelash aster does not require regular pruning but can benefit from deadheading. Deadheading involves removing faded flowers to encourage new blooms to form. Additionally, any dead or diseased branches should be pruned away as soon as possible to prevent further infection and promote healthy growth.
Propagation methods for Machaeranthera Blephariphylla:
Machaeranthera blephariphylla, commonly known as eyelash aster, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is part of the Asteraceae family. It is native to western North America and is found in rocky slopes, prairies, and open woodlands. The plant has striking blue-violet flowers that bloom between May and September. Propagation of Machaeranthera blephariphylla is typically achieved through seed propagation, division, or cuttings.
Seed propagation:
Seed propagation is the easiest and most successful method for the propagation of Machaeranthera blephariphylla. The best time to sow the seeds is in the fall, just before the frost sets in. This allows the seeds to go through the natural process of stratification, which will break down the hard outer shell of the seed, enabling it to germinate in the spring. The seeds can also be sown in the spring, but they will need to undergo artificial stratification, which can be achieved by placing the seeds in a moist medium in the refrigerator for about 3-4 weeks. Once the seeds have undergone stratification, they can be sown about 6mm deep in a well-draining soil mixture and placed in a sunny area.
Division:
Division can also be used for propagating Machaeranthera blephariphylla. This method is useful for plants that have become too large and have outgrown their space. The best time to divide the plant is in the fall or in early spring. Dividing the plant is simple, and all you need to do is dig up the plant, separate it into smaller sections, and plant them in their new locations, ensuring that each plant has at least one healthy rhizome and root system.
Cuttings:
Cuttings can be a tricky method of propagation for Machaeranthera blephariphylla as the plant produces a deep taproot that can be difficult to propagate from cuttings. However, softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring from the young, succulent shoots that are just starting to mature. The cuttings should be about 10cm long and removed with a sharp knife. The lower leaves on the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in moist soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the cutting in a shady area until roots have developed, and new growth appears.
Disease Management
Machaeranthera blephariphylla is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it may be susceptible to certain plant diseases.
- Leaf Spot - Symptoms include circular or oblong spots on the leaves, usually with a water-soaked border. To manage, remove affected leaves immediately to prevent the spread.
- Powdery Mildew - Symptoms include a white powdery coating on leaves, flowers, and stems. To manage, provide adequate air circulation, reduce humidity, and apply fungicides if necessary.
- Rust - Symptoms include rust-colored spots on the leaves. To manage, remove infected leaves and avoid watering the foliage, as moisture promotes the spread of rust.
Pest Management
Although Machaeranthera blephariphylla is generally pest-resistant, there are some pests that may occasionally affect the plant.
- Aphids - Symptoms include small, soft-bodied insects on the new growth of the plant. To manage, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils.
- Spider Mites - Symptoms include tiny, red or yellow spiders on the undersides of leaves. To manage, wash the leaves with water or use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils.
- Caterpillars - Symptoms include chewed leaves and stems. To manage, remove caterpillars by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.
