Overview
Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small, commonly known as spiny cod worms or wild tarragon, is an herbaceous plant species that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is native to North America and is usually found in wet meadows, marshes, and along ditches in the western and central regions of the United States.
Description
Spiny cod worms are flowering perennial plants that grow up to 3 feet tall. They have a deep, extensive root system and bristly, upright stems that are covered with fine hairs and spiny toothed edges. The leaves are alternate, linear to narrowly oblanceolate, and up to 4 inches long. They are green and hairless on top but slightly hairy underneath. The flower heads consist of numerous small, yellow-green disk flowers that are borne on erect spikes or panicles. The fruit is an achene that is crowned with a pappus of scales.
Common Names
Spiny cod worms are also commonly known as spiny-leaved tarragon, wild tarragon, or simply tarragon. In some regions, it may be called green sagewort, while in others, it may be referred to as coyote tail.
Uses
Spiny cod worms have been traditionally used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. The plant has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties and has been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, colds, and fevers. The leaves have a strong tarragon-like flavor and aroma and can be used as a culinary herb in the same way that tarragon is used. The plant is also used in the practice of herbal medicine and is said to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Light Requirements
The Mulgedium spicatum var. integrifolium prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It thrives under the bright sun, but it can also tolerate some shade. Too much shade can lead to stunted growth, though.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires cool temperatures to grow healthily. In its native range, it is accustomed to growing in the mountains where there is a significant temperature variation between day and night. The ideal temperature for the Mulgedium spicatum var. integrifolium is between 50°F and 70°F. Temperatures below 50°F can damage the plant, and it cannot withstand hot summer temperatures beyond 80°F.
Soil Requirements
The Mulgedium spicatum var. integrifolium prefers to grow in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The plant can survive in soils ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, but the ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. Sandy loam soils with high water retention capacity are ideal for planting this species. It does not tolerate water-logged soils, as this may lead to root rot, which ultimately kills the plant.
Cultivation Methods
The Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small plant is a popular garden perennial native to North America. It is typically grown in full sun or partial shade and requires well-draining soil to thrive. The best time to plant the Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small is in the early spring or fall. When planting, space the plants 12-18 inches apart and ensure that the crown of the plant is at soil level. Mulging around the plant is highly recommended, as it will help to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Watering Needs
The Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small plant requires moderate watering needs. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week, rather than shallow watering more frequently, as this will encourage deep root growth. However, during dry spells, increase watering frequency to keep the soil from drying out.
Fertilization
The Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small plant does not require a lot of fertilization, as it is a low-maintenance plant. However, if you notice that the plant is struggling, fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. It is best to fertilize in early spring, as this will give the plant the nutrients it needs to start the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small is easy, as the plant does not require a lot of maintenance. Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. In addition, cutting the plant back by one-third in late summer will help to prevent flopping and encourage a bushier growth habit.
Propagation of Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small
Propagating Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small can be done through several methods:
Sowing seeds
The most common method of propagation for this plant is sowing seeds. To be successful, the seeds need to be stratified before sowing. This means they must be exposed to a period of cold temperatures (around 0 to 5°C) for a few weeks to break their dormancy. Once the seeds have been stratified, they can be sowed directly into the ground or in containers. The best time to sow the seeds is in the fall, so that they can take advantage of the winter chill and germinate in the spring.
Divisions
Another method to propagate Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small is through the division of the root clumps. This should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. Carefully dig up the clump and separate it into smaller pieces, making sure each division has enough roots and shoots. Replant the divisions immediately, making sure they are watered well.
Cuttings
Although less common, another option for propagation is through stem cuttings. Take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches long, making sure it has at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium and keep it moist. The cutting should root in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Overall, Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small is an easy plant to propagate through a variety of methods. The specific method chosen will depend on the availability of resources and the desired outcome.
Disease Management
Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small is generally not prone to major diseases. However, the following conditions may adversely affect the plant:
Leaf and Stem Blight
This disease is caused by the fungus Alternaria sp. It can occur under conditions of high humidity. Symptoms include brown or black spots surrounded by yellow halos on leaves and stems. The infected parts may eventually wilt and die. Plants can be managed by removing infected parts, avoiding overhead watering, and improving air circulation around the plant.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum sp. It can cause leaf spots, stem blight, and cankers. Symptoms include circular spots on leaves that may appear water-soaked and sunken. The spots may enlarge and merge, causing the leaves to drop prematurely. Infected stems and branches may show cankers and dieback. Plants can be managed by removing infected parts, avoiding overhead watering, and improving air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Mulgedium spicatum (Lam.) Small var. integrifolium (Torr. & Gray) Small is generally not prone to major pest problems. However, the following pests may cause damage to the plant:
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap. They may appear in large numbers and damage the plant by sucking the juice from leaves and stems. Infected parts may show distorted growth, yellowing, and stunted development. Plants can be managed by washing them off with a strong jet of water, introducing natural predators (such as ladybugs), and applying insecticidal soap or oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that suck the sap from plant tissue. They may cause yellow or brown stippling on leaves, which may eventually turn yellow and fall off. Webbing may also be visible on the plant. Plants can be managed by washing them off with a strong jet of water, introducing natural predators (such as predatory mites), and applying insecticidal soap or oil.
