Plant Description
Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile is a species of flowering plant in the aster family, known commonly as the dwarf flat-topped goldenrod. It is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 30 cm tall and 30 cm wide. The plant has a rounded to flattened shape with an overall bushy appearance.
Origin
Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile is native to North America, and it can be found in the central and eastern regions of the United States. This plant typically grows in grassy fields, prairies, and open woods.
Common Names
The common names for Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile include the dwarf flat-topped goldenrod, flat-topped goldenrod, and button goldenrod.
Uses
The Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. The plant's yellow flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a popular choice for home gardens. Additionally, some Native American tribes used parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, such as an herbal remedy for colds and flu.
Growth Conditions for Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile
Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile, commonly known as the western goldenrod, is a perennial plant known for its yellowish-golden flower heads and green foliage. This plant is typically found in dry or sandy soils, often in prairies and meadows throughout the central and western United States. Here are the specific growth conditions for the Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile:
Light Requirements
Goldenrods are sun-loving plants that require full sunlight to thrive. Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day to grow and flower properly. With insufficient sunlight, the plant may become leggy and weak and may not produce as many flowers as it should. So, it's better to plant them in an area that receives ample sunlight exposure every day.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is essential for the proper growth of Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile. The soil should be well-draining, as soggy soil can quickly lead to root rot. Sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils can work well for this plant. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a range of 6.0 to 7.0, as the goldenrod prefers soil that is not too alkaline or too acidic. In general, the western goldenrod prefers soils that are lighter in texture and more mineral-filled than organic-rich soils.
Temperature Requirements
The western goldenrod can tolerate temperature fluctuations and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10. It prefers mild temperatures, with an average range of 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F) during the growing season. The plant can take some heat stress but would need enough water when the temperature is high.
Water Requirements
The western goldenrod prefers medium moisture levels and can tolerate drought conditions once established. It is important to maintain a consistent level of soil moisture by watering the plant once a week, especially during prolonged dry spells. Ensure water does not stand in the roots or around the crown of the plant for a long time as it can quickly lead to rotting of the plant's lower parts.
In conclusion, the goldenrod is a hardy plant that can do well in conditions that mimic its natural habitat, with full sunlight exposure, well-draining soil rich in minerals, and moderate water available. With proper care, the Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile can produce stunning yellow flower clusters that can brighten any garden or landscape.Cultivation
Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor is commonly known as the tall goldenrod or Canadian goldenrod. It is a perennial plant that can thrive in various conditions, including moist to dry soils and full sun to partial shade.
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor is between 60°F to 80°F. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Therefore, ensure that you plant each seedling approximately 18-24 inches apart for better growth and easy access to nutrients and water.
Watering Needs
Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor prefers well-draining soil that retains moisture for a long period. This plant requires regular watering after planting and during the initial growth stage. However, once the plant has established itself, it can withstand short periods of drought and does not require constant watering.
It is advisable to water the plant at the base and avoid watering the leaves as this can increase the risk of fungal infections.
Fertilization
Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor is a low-maintenance plant that does not require regular fertilization. However, if you intend to use fertilizer, apply it during the early spring before the plant begins to grow actively. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 to improve the growth and flowering of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor, especially if your garden has limited space. Prune the plant during the early spring before it begins to grow actively.
During pruning, remove all the dead and diseased stems and leaves. Additionally, cut 1/3 of the plant's height to encourage new growth and prevent stem drooping. You can also pinch back new growth as it appears to promote bushier growth and a more extended bloom period.
Propagation of Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor
Propagating Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor can be done through a variety of methods:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest and most common ways to propagate Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor is by seed propagation. Seeds can be collected in the fall once the plant has gone to seed and these can be stored over the winter in a cool, dry place. In the spring, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining medium and placed in a warm, bright location with consistent moisture. Germination typically occurs within a few weeks to a month.
Division
Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor can also be propagated through division. This is best done in the spring when new growth is emerging. The clump can be lifted and divided into sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy amount of roots. These sections can then be replanted in a new location, ensuring that they are kept well-watered and protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a healthy plant and encouraging it to root in a well-draining medium. This can be done in the spring or fall and should be done with a sharp, sterile pair of scissors to avoid damaging the plant. The cutting should be placed in a warm, bright location with consistent moisture until it has developed roots.
Grafting
Grafting is a less common method of propagating Oligoneuron corymbosum (Ell.) Small var. humile (Porter) Beaudry & Kapoor, but it can be successful. This method involves taking a cutting from the desired plant and attaching it to the rootstock of another plant. This is typically done in the spring and requires careful attention to ensure that the two plants fuse together successfully.
Disease Management
Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile is generally a healthy plant and is not prone to many diseases. However, it may be susceptible to some common plant diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile. It appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected plant parts and spray the plant with a fungicide. Proper air circulation and adequate sunlight can also help prevent the disease.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, one can remove the infected plant parts and spray the plant with a fungicide. As with powdery mildew, prevention techniques such as proper air circulation and adequate sunlight can also help prevent the disease from occurring.
Pest Management
Oligoneuron corymbosum var. humile is also not commonly affected by pests. However, there are a few pests that may affect the plant, such as aphids and spider mites. Here are some ways to manage these pests:
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, one can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs can also help control the aphid population.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be detected by the fine webbing they produce on the plant. To manage spider mites, one can spray the plant with water to remove them from the plant. Applying neem oil or insecticidal soap will also help control spider mites.
