Origin
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner is native to the United States, specifically to the western region of the country, including parts of the Great Plains. It is commonly found in states such as Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska, among others.
Common Names
The plant Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner is commonly known by several names, including hoary tansyaster, mountain tansyaster, and prairie aster. The plant is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes many plants commonly known as asters.
Uses
The hoary tansyaster has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans, including as an aid in treating colds and as a mouthwash to help with gum and tooth pain. In addition, the plant has been used as a food source for wild animals such as prairie dogs and rabbits. The plant also has potential as a source of natural dye.
General Appearance
The hoary tansyaster is a perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has narrow, gray-green leaves that are up to 4 inches long, with fine hairs on the underside of the leaf. The plant produces daisy-like flowers that have a yellow center disk and purple or lavender petals. The flowers bloom from July to September and are about 1 inch in diameter. The plant produces small, black seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Growth Conditions for Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner
Light: Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and thrive properly.
Temperature: This plant species is generally hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can still survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner is adapted to the climate of western North America, where the temperature can be extreme.
Soil: This plant species prefers dry to mesic, sandy or graveled soils. It can also grow in clay soils if drainage is adequate. Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner can tolerate pH levels ranging from acidic to slightly alkaline. In addition, the soil should be well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
Water: This plant is drought tolerant and can survive long periods without water. However, it prefers moderate watering during the growing season, especially during prolonged periods of drought. It is important not to let the soil become too saturated, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: This plant species does not require regular fertilization. In fact, over-fertilization can lead to excessive leaf growth but fewer flowers. But adding a small amount of low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer during the growing season can promote blooming.
Cultivation
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner commonly known as Hairy-leaf Tansyaster, can be grown as an annual or a perennial plant. It grows best in full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil, preferably alkaline. Seedlings can be planted after the last frost in spring, and mature plants can be propagated through division in early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Machaeranthera canescens requires moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant but can benefit from consistent moisture in the soil when in active growth. Generally, watering deeply every two weeks during the growing season is sufficient. However, ensure that the soil is not overly saturated, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
It is not necessary to fertilize the Hairy-leaf Tansyaster regularly. However, applying a slow-release fertilizer in spring or early summer can promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid applying fertilizer too close to the plant's base to avoid burning its roots.
Pruning
To encourage bushier growth, it's recommendable to prune back the Machaeranthera canescens in early summer or after flowering. Deadheading spent blooms can prolong the blooming period and improve the plant's overall appearance. Additionally, pruning back the plant in fall can prevent overwintering diseases and pests.
Propagation of Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner, commonly known as the Nebraska aster, is a herbaceous perennial native to North America. This plant can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, division, and stem cutting.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Machaeranthera canescens are small and can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors in seed trays. It is best to sow the seeds in early spring or late fall when the temperatures are cool. The seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil and lightly covered with a thin layer of soil or sand.
The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, usually within 1 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the garden.
Division
Nebraska aster can be propagated through division of the plant's root ball. This method can be done in the early spring or fall. Carefully dig up the entire plant and gently separate the root ball into two or more sections. Make sure each section has several healthy shoots and roots.
Replant each division in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not too wet until the plant is established.
Stem Cutting
Stem cutting is another propagation method for Machaeranthera canescens. This method is best done in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem that is at least 6 inches long and cut it just below a node. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem.
Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the cutting in a bright, but indirect light until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner is susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common diseases include:
- Rust: It is a fungal disease that appears as orange or rusty patches on the leaves. Rust can cause the leaves to become distorted and fall off. To manage rust, remove the infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide as directed.
- Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that appears as powdery white spots on the leaves. Powdery mildew can stunt growth and weaken the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove the infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide as directed.
- Leaf Spot: It is a fungal disease that appears as brown spots on the leaves. Leaf spot can cause defoliation and weaken the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide as directed.
Pest Management
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray ssp. glabra (Gray) B.L. Turner var. nebraskana B.L. Turner is also vulnerable to pests that can harm the plant. Some of the common pests and ways to manage them include:
- Aphids: They are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant and cause leaves to curl, distort, and turn yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed.
- Spider Mites: They are tiny pests that cause yellowing, stippling, and webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap as directed.
- Caterpillars: They are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can feed on the leaves of the plant and cause defoliation. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) as directed.
