Origin and Common Names
Machaeranthera kingii (D.C. Eat.) Cronq. & Keck var. barnebyana Welsh & Goodrich, commonly known as Barneby's tansyaster, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to western North America, specifically in the Great Basin region of the United States.General Appearance
The Barneby's tansyaster is a bushy plant that grows up to 1 to 2 feet tall. It has slender stems that have numerous branches and narrow leaves that are less than 0.5 inches long. The flowers are composed of up to 20 purple-blue ray florets that surround yellow disc florets. The Barneby's tansyaster blooms from July to September.Uses
The Barneby's tansyaster has no known economic or medicinal uses. However, it is often cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage. Additionally, it is commonly used in wildflower mixes for reclamation and restoration projects due to its adaptability to a wide range of soil types and precipitation levels. It is also an important plant for pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and other insects.Light Requirements
Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana typically requires full sun exposure to thrive and grow healthily. It is adapted to the high elevations and sunny habitats of the Intermountain West, which receive intense sunlight throughout the day during the growing season. If the plant is grown in the shade, it may become elongated and weak.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers moderate temperatures during the growing season, with a maximum temperature range of 80-90°F. However, it can survive in temperatures up to 100°F. During the winter months, the temperature range should ideally be kept between 20-40°F to allow the plant to go dormant. Frost and snow do not harm the plant as it can tolerate extreme cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The plant prefers soils that contain a good amount of organic matter like loamy or sandy soils. It can also tolerate dry soils and grows naturally in rocky or volcanic soils.
Cultivation Methods
Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana does best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil; it grows quickly in areas with high precipitation and cool summers but can also tolerate hot and dry conditions. It is suitable for planting in gardens, flower beds, and containers. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Since it is native to the western US, it is well adapted to arid and semiarid climates found in the region.
Watering Needs
M. kingii var. barnebyana is drought tolerant and can survive on very little water, depending on the climate and the soil in which it is planted. It does not require frequent watering if it is planted in well-draining soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can harm the plant. To keep the plant healthy, it is best to water it when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During prolonged drought periods, it may benefit from occasional deep watering.
Fertilization
Like many native plants, M. kingii var. barnebyana does not require fertilizer. If the soil is nutrient-poor, it may benefit from the addition of organic matter such as compost or leaf mold. However, excessive fertilization with nitrogen can promote leaf growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
M. kingii var. barnebyana does not require extensive pruning as it has a naturally attractive growth habit. However, removing spent flowers can help prolong blooming. Deadheading can also help prevent the plant from self-seeding and spreading. Pruning should be done in late fall or early spring before the growing season resumes.
Propagation of Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana
Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana is a perennial plant that can be propagated by several methods, including seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and division.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the spring or fall, or they can be started indoors in the winter. The seeds should be placed on top of the soil, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist and in a warm location until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings have grown a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or outdoors in the garden.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cutting propagation is another way to propagate Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana. Take stem cuttings from the parent plant in the spring or summer, making sure to cut below a node. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm location until roots develop. Once the roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or outdoors in the garden.
Division propagation
Division propagation is a method that can be used for Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana that has already established in the garden. Dig up the parent plant in the spring or fall and carefully separate the root ball into smaller clumps. Each clump should have a pair of leaves and roots. Replant the new clumps in individual pots or back in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana
Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana, commonly known as Barnaby’s aster, is a species of plant that is native to North America. The plant is extremely hardy and can grow in a variety of soil types, but it is not immune to damage from pests and diseases. It is important for gardeners and plant enthusiasts to understand the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and how to effectively manage them. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can impact Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can impact Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can spread rapidly through a plant and impact its overall health and appearance. The disease causes a white or grayish powdery substance to form on the leaves and stems of the plant. Powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions and can be spread through the air or by insects. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant dry and remove any infected plant material as soon as possible. Fungicides can also be used to prevent or manage powdery mildew.
Another common disease that can impact Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana is leaf spot. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots can range in color from yellow to brown and can impact the overall health of the plant. Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected plant material and promoting good air circulation around the plant.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can impact Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana is aphids. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant. Aphids can cause the leaves of the plant to curl and can also transmit diseases to the plant. To manage aphids, it is important to use insecticidal soap or other pesticides on the plant.
Another common pest that can impact Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana is spider mites. Spider mites are small, red or black insects that can quickly infest a plant. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Spider mites can be managed by regularly spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap or pesticides.
By understanding the common diseases and pests that can impact Machaeranthera kingii var. barnebyana and how to manage them, gardeners and plant enthusiasts can help to ensure that this hardy and beautiful plant thrives in their garden or landscape.
