Overview of Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana (Elmer) Jokerst
Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana (Elmer) Jokerst is a rare perennial herb that's also known commonly as coyote mint.
Origin
This Californian plant is native to the San Francisco Bay Area, where it's found in sparse numbers along the San Francisco's serpentine bluffs and in the Presidio.
Appearance
The Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana (Elmer) Jokerst plant typically grows up to eight inches tall. This plant's narrow leaves are green and rectangular in shape, while its blooms are pink to purple-red in color and grow in dense clusters.
Uses
Historically, tribes like the Ohlone and Miwok utilized the plant's leaves and essential oils to create medicinal teas for people suffering from headaches, colds, and flu. Today, this plant is commonly grown in a home garden and as a landscaping plant due to its popularity among gardeners and its ability to attract beneficial insects, especially bees and butterflies to the garden.
Growth Conditions for Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana
Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana, commonly known as coyote mint, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This plant species is endemic to California and is primarily found in the San Francisco Bay Area. To ensure optimal growth and development of this plant species, the following growth conditions should be considered:
Light Requirements
Coyote mint thrives in areas with ample sunlight. This plant species requires full sun exposure for six to eight hours per day. Therefore, it should be planted in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. In areas with intense heat, partial shade can be beneficial to prevent overheating. Inadequate sunlight can lead to stunted growth and an increase in pest and disease issues.
Temperature Requirements
Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana is native to Mediterranean-type climates characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. These plants prefer average temperatures of 60-80 oF during the growing season. The plant can tolerate temperature extremes of up to 100 oF, but exposure to very high temperatures for extended periods can cause leaf scorch and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Coyote mint thrives in well-draining soils with a neutral pH range of 6.0-7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter to provide the plant with essential nutrients. These plants can tolerate various soil types, including sandy soil, loamy soil, and clay soil, as long as they are well-draining. Waterlogged or poorly drained soils can cause root rot and other waterborne diseases.
Water Requirements
The amount of water required by Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana depends on the climate and soil conditions. During the growing season, the plant requires regular watering to maintain moist soil conditions. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as this can cause root rot and other diseases. In areas with adequate rainfall, coyote mint can survive with minimal watering.
Fertilizer Requirements
Coyote mint does not require a lot of fertilization. A light feeding of fertilizer in the early spring can be beneficial for young plants, but it's not necessary for mature plants. Overfertilization can cause the plant to grow excessively, weak stems, and increase pest and disease issues. Therefore, gardeners should use caution when applying fertilizers to coyote mint.
Cultivation:
The Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana (Elmer) Jokerst, also known as the Franciscan manzanita, is a low-growing shrub that is native to California. This plant species is well adapted to growing in a Mediterranean climate, which means it thrives in a rainy winter followed by a warm, dry summer. In terms of soil preferences, this plant does well in well-draining, sandy loam soils that are slightly acidic.
Watering Needs:
When establishing this plant, it needs to be watered regularly to help its roots grow deep into the soil. Once established, the watering schedule should gradually decrease, especially during the dry summer season. Typically, the Franciscan manzanita needs about 15 inches of water annually. However, avoid watering if the soil is already moist as this plant does not like overly wet soil.
Fertilization:
The Franciscan manzanita, being a native plant, doesn't require much fertilizer. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring to encourage growth. Do not overfertilize as this can lead to excessive foliage growth, which can make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning:
The Franciscan manzanita requires minimal pruning. When pruning, avoid cutting the branches too deep as this plant can easily get damaged. Remove the dead, diseased, or damaged wood only. If necessary, you can do light pruning to maintain a compact shape. However, avoid pruning this plant in the fall as it could stimulate new growth, which would not stand up to winter weather.
Propagation of Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana (Elmer) Jokerst
Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana (Elmer) Jokerst, also known as the coyote mint and San Francisco coyote mint, is a beautiful plant that you can easily propagate. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation of Monardella villosa ssp. franciscana through seeds is an easy method. You can collect the seeds from the plant once the flowers dry out. You can also purchase seeds from a nursery. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist. The ideal temperature for germination is between 60 to 70°F. The seeds will typically germinate in two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have grown big enough, you can transplant them to their permanent spot.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation of Monardella villosa ssp. franciscana through cuttings is also an easy method. Take a stem cutting from the plant measuring around 4 to 5 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil, and keep it moist. Place a plastic bag over the top of the cutting to create a humid environment. The cutting should root in four to six weeks. Once it has rooted, you can transplant it to its permanent spot.
Propagation through Division
Propagation of Monardella villosa ssp. franciscana through division is a bit complicated than the other methods. You can divide the plant in the fall or early spring. Dig up the plant and separate the roots into sections, ensuring that each section has some stems and roots. Plant each section in well-draining soil and keep it moist. With the right conditions, each division should grow into a new plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana (Elmer) Jokerst
Monardella villosa Benth. ssp. franciscana (Elmer) Jokerst, commonly known as San Francisco coyote mint, is generally a low-maintenance plant with few issues. However, it can still fall victim to certain pests and diseases. Fortunately, there are ways to manage these problems and ensure the plant's health.
Common Diseases
San Francisco coyote mint can be susceptible to a few diseases. One common issue is powdery mildew, which presents as a white, powdery substance on leaves. This fungal disease can be managed by pruning affected leaves, improving airflow around the plant, and applying a fungicide if necessary.
Another disease that may affect San Francisco coyote mint is leaf spot, which leads to dark spots on the plant's leaves. This issue can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering techniques and watering at the base of the plant instead.
Common Pests
San Francisco coyote mint may also attract certain pests such as spider mites and aphids. Spider mites can be identified by tiny webbing on leaves and can be managed by washing the plant with a strong jet of water and applying an insecticidal soap or oil. Aphids can be identified by small, soft-bodied insects clustering on the plant's leaves and stems. Aphids can be managed by washing the plant with a strong jet of water or using an insecticidal soap or oil.
General Preventative Measures
To prevent fungal diseases and attract beneficial insects that can help control pests, it's important to keep the plant healthy and stress-free. This can be accomplished by ensuring the plant is in well-draining soil and receives the appropriate amount of water and sunlight. It may also be helpful to provide the plant with regular fertilization and periodic pruning to avoid overcrowding and promote airflow.
Overall, keeping a watchful eye on the plant and addressing issues as soon as they arise can help ensure the health of San Francisco coyote mint.
