Origin and Common Names
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. vacans (A. Nels.) Welsh is a flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is commonly known as the Hoary Tansyaster and is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska down to California, and eastwards to the Rocky Mountains and the Dakotas.General Appearance
The Hoary Tansyaster is a perennial herb that grows up to 24 inches tall. It has a woody base, which gives rise to many unbranched stems. The plant produces narrow, elongate leaves that are woolly and grayish-green in color, giving the plant a hoary appearance. The leaves can grow up to 3 inches long and are arranged alternately on the stem. The Hoary Tansyaster produces numerous flower heads that are 1-1.5 inches across. The flower heads consist of both ray and disk flowers. The ray flowers are lavender to purple to white in color, while the disk flowers are yellow. The flowers bloom from July to September.Uses
The Hoary Tansyaster is an important landscaping plant and is used as an ornamental in gardens, meadows, and naturalistic landscapes. It is also used in habitat restoration projects to provide erosion control and to help stabilize disturbed soils. Additionally, the Hoary Tansyaster is a valuable source of nectar for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The Hoary Tansyaster has also been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes. The plant was used to treat coughs, colds, and fever. The leaves were made into a poultice and applied to wounds to aid in healing. However, it is important to note that the Hoary Tansyaster contains toxic compounds and should not be consumed without proper preparation and guidance.Growth Conditions for Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans
Light: This plant variety grows best in full sun but can also tolerate light shade. In shaded areas, plants tend to get leggy and have fewer blooms.
Temperature: Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans is a hardy and resilient plant that can grow in a variety of temperatures. However, it prefers mild to warm temperatures and cannot survive in extreme hot or cold conditions. In areas with very hot summers, it is best to provide some shade during peak hours of the day.
Soil requirements: This plant variety prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. It can tolerate sandy or gravelly soils but does not do well in heavy clay soils. The soil should be enriched with organic matter to improve its fertility, water-holding capacity, and nutrient content. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans.
Cultivation Methods
Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers to grow in full sun and well-draining soil.
It is best to sow seeds directly into the ground or in containers. Seeds can be sown in the spring or fall, but germination is best in the spring. The plant likes dry conditions, so avoid overwatering.
Watering Needs
As mentioned before, Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans is drought-tolerant, so it only needs occasional watering. Water the plant well in dry weather or when the soil becomes dry to the touch. However, avoid overwatering, as the plant is susceptible to root rot in moist soils.
Fertilization
Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans does not require fertilization. However, if you feel that the plant needs a little boost, you can apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. But be careful not to overfertilize as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans does not require pruning, but you can remove the spent flowers to prolong the blooming period and encourage the plant to produce more flowers. You can also trim the plant lightly to maintain its shape and size, but avoid cutting it back too hard as it can stunt its growth.
Propagation of Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. vacans (A. Nels.) Welsh
Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) Gray var. vacans (A. Nels.) Welsh, also known as hoary tansyaster, is a species of flowering plant native to North America. It is a hardy perennial that thrives in a variety of soil types and climates. Propagation of hoary tansyaster can be achieved through a few different methods, including seed propagation, division, and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans is through seed propagation. The best time to plant hoary tansyaster seeds is in the fall, after the first frost. The seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil and lightly covered with a thin layer of sand or fine soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate in the spring. It is important to note that Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans does not always grow true to seed, so it may be necessary to purchase seed from a reputable source to ensure the desired characteristics of the plant.
Division
Propagation of Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans through division should be done in the spring, just as new growth is starting to emerge. Carefully dig up the plant, being sure not to damage the roots, and separate the clumps into smaller sections. Each new division should have several healthy stems and an adequate root system. The new divisions can then be planted in a new location immediately or potted and grown on until they are more established.
Cuttings
Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans can also be propagated through cuttings taken in the spring. Select a healthy stem and use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to take a 3-4 inch cutting from the plant, just below a node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Keep the cutting moist and in a warm, bright location until it has rooted and new growth has emerged, at which point it can be transplanted into a new location or potted up for continued growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans
Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans is a hardy plant that is generally tolerant of pests and diseases. However, there are a few issues that can arise that gardeners should be aware of in order to keep their plants healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it's important to ensure that the plant has good air circulation and is not overcrowded. In addition, gardeners may want to consider applying a fungicide to the plant to help combat the disease.
Another disease that can affect Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans is rust. This is a fungal disease that appears as orange or yellow spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage rust, gardeners should remove infected leaves and ensure that the plant has good air circulation. In addition, applying a fungicide may also be effective in treating rust.
Common Pests
While Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans is generally resistant to pests, there are a few that can present a problem for this plant. One common pest is the aphid. These small insects can congregate on the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking the sap and weakening the plant. To manage aphids, gardeners can spray insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings that will feed on the aphids.
An additional pest that can affect Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans is the spider mite. These tiny pests can be difficult to spot, but their presence is often indicated by tiny webs on the plant. Spider mites can cause the leaves to discolor and drop from the plant. To manage spider mites, gardeners can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant, or introduce predatory mites that feed on the spider mites.
By being aware of common diseases and pests that can affect Machaeranthera canescens var. vacans, gardeners can take steps to manage these issues and keep their plants healthy and thriving.
