Origin
The plant Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush, also known as the large-seeded false gromwell, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. The plant is native to North America, specifically the central and western regions of the United States.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including large-seeded false gromwell, western false gromwell, hispid false gromwell, and hairy false gromwell.
Uses
The Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum plant has a few medicinal uses. Native Americans used infusion of the plant to treat a range of ailments, including menstrual cramps, chest colds, and as a poultice for skin irritations. Additionally, the plant's roots were used to make a red dye. The plant also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden, making it a useful addition to a pollinator-friendly yard.
General Appearance
The Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum plant grows to a height of up to 2 feet and spreads to a width of about 1.5 feet. The plant has a stout and erect stem that is hairy and can develop branches. The lance-shaped leaves are hairy and up to five inches long. The tiny flowers, which bloom from early to late summer, have creamy-white petals that turn pinkish as they age. The plant produces small, nut-like fruits that have rough surfaces and contain small, shiny black seeds.
Growth Conditions for Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush
Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is commonly known as hispid marbleseed and is native to North America. Here are the typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause it to become leggy and weak. This plant prefers a sunny location with well-draining, fertile soil.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to North America and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush grows well in both hot and cool climates, but it prefers a moderate temperature range of 60 to 75 °F (15.5 to 24 °C). This plant can survive in temperatures as low as -30 °F (-34 °C).
Soil Requirements
Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. This plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils, as this can cause root rot and other diseases.
In summary, Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush grows best in full sunlight or partial shade, moderate temperatures, and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. By providing these optimal growing conditions, hispid marbleseed can thrive and produce beautiful flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Onosmodium hispidissimum var. macrospermum is a perennial herb that grows best in well-draining soils with full sun exposure. It can tolerate partial shade, but this may cause the plant to grow leggy and decrease its flower production. If you want to grow this plant in your garden, you need to prepare the soil by tilling it well and adding compost or organic matter to improve the soil structure and fertility.
You can start the plant from seeds or cuttings, but seeds may take a longer time to germinate. If you plan to use cuttings, select a healthy stem and remove the leaves from the lower parts. Then plant the cutting in soil and keep the soil moist until it establishes roots.
Watering Needs
As a desert plant, Onosmodium hispidissimum var. macrospermum prefers well-draining soils that are not waterlogged. However, during the first few weeks of planting, you should keep the soil moist to help the plant establish roots. Afterward, you can reduce watering, and the plant can do well with minimal watering.
Be careful not to overwater the plant, as it may cause root rot and other fungal diseases. A good way to monitor the moisture level of the soil is to stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water the plant.
Fertilization
In general, Onosmodium hispidissimum var. macrospermum does not need much fertilizer, as it grows well in nutrient-poor soils. However, if you want to boost its growth and flowering potential, you can apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at the beginning of the growing season.
Apply the fertilizer sparingly, as too much fertilizer can cause excessive growth and decrease the plant's hardiness. You can also supplement the soil with organic matter or compost to help improve the soil fertility and structure.
Pruning
Pruning Onosmodium hispidissimum var. macrospermum is not necessary unless you want to control its shape or remove diseased or dead parts. However, you can pinch the tips of the plant to promote bushier growth and increase its flowering.
If the plant becomes too leggy or loses its beauty, divide it every few years to rejuvenate it. Divide the plant in the spring by removing the root ball from the soil and splitting it into smaller sections. Plant each section in a new location or pot with fresh soil.
Propagation of Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush
The best and most common propagation method for Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush is by seed. The seeds are easily obtained from the seedpods after they have matured, turned brown, and split open. The seeds can be directly sown into the ground in early spring or fall. It is best to plant the seeds in a shaded area with well-drained soil.
Another propagation method is through root division. However, this method is not commonly used because the roots of Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush are very fragile and easily damaged. If the root division method is used, it is best to do so in the early spring when the plant is beginning to emerge from dormancy.
Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves cutting a stem from the plant and placing it in potting soil until roots begin to form. However, this method is difficult because the plant does not have strong stems and the cuttings are easily damaged.
Overall, the most effective and commonly used propagation method for Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush is by seed.
Disease Management
The Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush plant can be affected by several diseases including fungal diseases, bacterial diseases, and viral diseases. Some common diseases that might affect this plant include:
1. Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves of the plant. It appears as yellowish-brown spots on the leaves, which later turn into dark brown or black spores. Rust can weaken the plant and affect its growth. To manage rust, remove and destroy the infected leaves and spray the plant with fungicide.
2. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It appears as white, powdery spots on the plant. To manage powdery mildew, prune the infected parts of the plant and spray with fungicide.
3. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves of the plant. It appears as brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy the infected leaves and spray the plant with fungicide.
Pest Management
The Onosmodium hispidissimum Mackenzie var. macrospermum Mackenzie & Bush plant can also be affected by several pests including insects and mites. Some common pests that might affect this plant include:
1. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can colonize the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage whiteflies, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
