Description:
Machaeranthera pinnatifida (Hook.) Shinners ssp. pinnatifida var. glaberrima (Rydb.) B.L. Turner & Hartman is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 60 cm tall and has leaves that are pinnately lobed with narrow segments.
Origin:
This plant is native to North America, specifically the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Common Names:
This plant is commonly known as Cutleaf Tansyaster, Fernleaf Tansyaster, and Pinnately-lobed Tansyaster.
Uses:
Machaeranthera pinnatifida (Hook.) Shinners ssp. pinnatifida var. glaberrima (Rydb.) B.L. Turner & Hartman is often used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive, violet-blue flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. This plant is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as sore throat, rheumatism, and fever.
General Appearance:
Cutleaf Tansyaster has flowers that are composite and discoid, with a yellow center and violet-blue rays. The leaves of this plant are alternate and have a fern-like appearance. The stem is slender and branching, and the plant typically grows in dry, rocky soils in open areas such as meadows and hillsides.
Growth Conditions for Machaeranthera pinnatifida
Light: Machaeranthera pinnatifida thrives in full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight to encourage growth and blooms.
Temperature: This plant is well-adapted to the hot and dry conditions of the American Southwest. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from freezing to extreme heat. However, it generally prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F.
Soil: Machaeranthera pinnatifida can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate drought conditions and is well-suited for xeriscaping.
Water: This plant is drought-resistant and can survive with minimal watering. However, it will thrive in moderate moisture conditions. Water the plant deeply and infrequently to encourage root growth. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Machaeranthera pinnatifida does not require fertilizer. However, if you want to encourage larger blooms, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
Propagation: The easiest way to propagate Machaeranthera pinnatifida is through seedlings. Collect seeds in the fall and plant them in the spring. The seedlings can also be transplanted in the fall. The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings, but it is more challenging.
Pests and Diseases: Machaeranthera pinnatifida is relatively pest-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if grown in overly moist conditions. Practice good sanitation practices, avoid overwatering, and provide adequate airflow to prevent diseases.
Cultivation
Machaeranthera pinnatifida (Hook.) Shinners ssp. pinnatifida var. glaberrima (Rydb.) B.L. Turner & Hartman is a drought-tolerant plant that grows well in a variety of soil types. To cultivate this plant, choose a location that receives full sun. The plant can grow in neutral to slightly acidic soils with good drainage. Till the soil and loosen any hard clumps of dirt. Plant seeds or seedlings as directed, making sure the roots are not damaged during transplanting.
Watering Needs
Machaeranthera pinnatifida (Hook.) Shinners ssp. pinnatifida var. glaberrima (Rydb.) B.L. Turner & Hartman is drought tolerant, but regular watering is required to establish the plant. Water the plant once or twice a week during hot, dry weather, and less frequently during periods of rain. Ensure that the soil is moist but not saturated. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilizer is not usually necessary for Machaeranthera pinnatifida (Hook.) Shinners ssp. pinnatifida var. glaberrima (Rydb.) B.L. Turner & Hartman, as it can obtain all required nutrients from the soil. However, adding compost or organic matter to the soil can improve the soil quality. In some cases, a dilute solution of balanced fertilizer can be used sparingly to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Deadheading spent flowers can encourage new blooms to form on Machaeranthera pinnatifida (Hook.) Shinners ssp. pinnatifida var. glaberrima (Rydb.) B.L. Turner & Hartman. Prune back any dead or diseased foliage to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Pinching the tips of the plant can promote bushier growth, but avoid excessive pruning as it can stunt growth and compromise flowering potential.
Propagation of Machaeranthera pinnatifida var. glaberrima
Machaeranthera pinnatifida var. glaberrima is primarily propagated via seeds and cuttings. Here are some details about the two methods:
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Machaeranthera pinnatifida var. glaberrima can be sown either directly into the garden bed or started indoors and then transplanted outside. Here are some steps to propagate the plant through seeds:
- Start with a well-draining potting mix.
- Plant seeds into the mix and cover with a thin layer of soil.
- Water the seeds to keep the soil moist until germination.
- Transfer seedlings to the final location when they are 2-3 inches tall and have a good root system.
Propagation through cuttings
Cuttings are an excellent way to propagate Machaeranthera pinnatifida var. glaberrima, especially for gardeners who want to produce plants that are identical to the parent. Here are some steps to propagate the plant through cuttings:
- Take cuttings from healthy plants in the spring or summer.
- Make sure the cuttings are about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving one or two sets of leaves at the top.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant the cutting into a well-draining potting mix.
- Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area until roots develop.
- Once the cutting has rooted, transfer it to the final location in the garden or a container.
Disease Management
Machaeranthera pinnatifida is generally a hardy plant with good resistance to various diseases. However, it may sometimes be plagued by certain diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant, caused by fungal infection. To manage the disease, ensure good air circulation around the plant by spacing them adequately. Additionally, apply fungicides like sulfur or neem oil as necessary.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes small circular spots on the leaves. Regular pruning and removing infected leaves can help control the disease, along with the use of fungicides.
Root Rot: Root rot is a soil-borne infection that causes the plant to wilt and die. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage in the soil, avoid overwatering, and maintain good soil health. Infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Machaeranthera pinnatifida is also susceptible to attacks from common garden pests like aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, deforming and weakening them. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off, and use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control the infestation.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or apply miticides as necessary.
Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to become discolored and distorted. To manage thrips, remove weed hosts, use sticky traps, or apply insecticides as necessary.
