Overview: Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. commixta (Greene) Welsh
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. commixta (Greene) Welsh, commonly known as hoary tansyaster or hoary aster, is a wildflower that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a perennial plant that is native to North America and is found mostly in the western United States.
Common Names
Hoary tansyaster is also commonly known as hoary aster, hoary goldenweed, hoary machaeranthera, hoary tansy-aster, and woolly aster.
General Appearance
Hoary tansyaster grows up to 60 cm in height and has erect stems that are branched and covered with glandular and non-glandular hairs. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate in shape, and have a wooly texture. The flowerheads are composite, with numerous disk florets that are purple or pink in color, and ray florets that are white or lavender. Blooming from September to October, the flowers are held individually or in loose clusters at the tips of each stem.
Uses
Hoary tansyaster is primarily used for ornamental purposes and is grown in gardens and natural settings as a charming wildflower. It is also considered an important constituent of natural meadowlands and prairie restoration. Native American tribes have used hoary tansyaster for medicinal reasons, including treating fevers, toothaches, and internal pain. The plant is also used for making natural dyes for fabrics.
Growth Conditions of Machaeranthera canescens var. commixta
Light: Machaeranthera canescens var. commixta thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to flower properly. Areas shaded for long periods of time can lead to weak stems, lower flower production, and increased susceptibility to pests or diseases.
Temperature: This plant variety is native to the southwestern United States, where it is adapted to thrive in hot temperatures. It prefers dry climates and can tolerate temperature fluctuations from hot to cool within a 24-hour period. It can survive temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C) but does best in zones 5-9.
Soil: Machaeranthera canescens var. commixta grows in dry and rocky soils in the wild. In cultivation, it prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant can tolerate infertile soils but does better with amendments such as compost added to the soil before planting. The roots of the plant go deep, so the soil needs to be loose and well-drained to allow for proper root growth.
Cultivation
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. commixta (Greene) Welsh is an easy-to-grow plant that can tolerate a variety of soils and environmental conditions. It is drought-tolerant and prefers well-draining, sandy or gravelly soils.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or by stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the spring after the last frost. Cuttings should be taken in the summer months when the plants are actively growing.
The plant prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and spread up to 2 feet wide, so it's important to give it enough room to grow.
Watering Needs
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. commixta (Greene) Welsh is drought-tolerant and doesn't require frequent watering. However, when the plant is newly planted or during very dry spells, it should be watered deeply to ensure the roots are properly hydrated.
It's important to let the soil dry out between watering to prevent root rot. Watering infrequently and deeply is better than shallow, frequent watering.
Fertilization
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. commixta (Greene) Welsh doesn't require much fertilization, but can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once a year in the spring.
Too much nitrogen can result in excessive foliage growth with reduced flowering. It's important to follow the package instructions for proper application.
Pruning
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. commixta (Greene) Welsh doesn't require much pruning. However, pruning can help promote a fuller plant and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Remove spent flowers and stems to promote new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Pruning should be done in the spring or after flowering is complete.
Propagation of Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. commixta (Greene) Welsh
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. commixta (Greene) Welsh, commonly known as Hoary tansyaster, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to North America and can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Machaeranthera canescens var. commixta is through seed. The seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown in suitable soil and climatic conditions. It is ideal to scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them into the soil. The soil should be kept moist during the germination period. The seeds generally take 7-10 days to germinate, depending on the environmental conditions.
Division
Machaeranthera canescens var. commixta can also be propagated through division. The plant should be divided during the spring or fall when it is not in its flowering stage. The root system of the plant should be dug up and carefully separated into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has enough roots and shoots to establish itself. These sections can then be replanted in suitable soil and climatic conditions.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is also possible for Machaeranthera canescens var. commixta. The cuttings should be taken during the spring season when the new growth appears. The cuttings should be taken from the stem tips and should have at least two nodes. The leaves from the bottom nodes should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in suitable soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be regularly monitored for root development.
Disease Management
Machaeranthera canescens is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
The best way to prevent these diseases is to ensure good air circulation around the plants by not overcrowding them. It is also important to avoid wetting the leaves when watering, as this can promote fungal growth. If you notice any signs of powdery mildew or rust, remove affected leaves or plants immediately to prevent further spread.
If the disease is severe, fungicides such as copper-based sprays or neem oil can be used as a last resort.
Pest Management
Machaeranthera canescens is generally resistant to most pests, but can occasionally be affected by aphids or spider mites.
Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. They can also be controlled by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other insecticides labeled for aphids.
Spider mites can be more difficult to control as they are tiny and can easily hide on the undersides of leaves. They can be managed by regularly spraying the plant with water and increasing humidity levels around the plant. Additionally, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other miticides labeled for spider mites can also be used as a last resort.
