Origin
Orthocarpus campestris Benth. is a plant species belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in several western states of the United States, such as California, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. It also grows in Mexico.
Common Names
Orthocarpus campestris Benth. is commonly known as field owl's clover or purple owl's clover. It is also referred to as the purple owl's-clover or Meadow Orthocarpus.
Uses
The Orthocarpus campestris Benth. plant has been used for traditional medicinal purposes by many native tribes of North America. The plant has been used as a remedy for various ailments, such as stomach aches, headaches, and colds. The roots of the plant have been used to treat toothaches, while a decoction of the plant has been used to relieve sore throats.
Additionally, the bright purple-pink flowers of Orthocarpus campestris Benth. are sometimes used as an ornamental plant in gardens. They are often included in wildflower seed mixes.
General Appearance
Orthocarpus campestris Benth. is a small, herbaceous, annual plant, growing typically up to 30 centimeters in height. It has narrow, green, toothed leaves that are 2-3 centimeters long and are arranged in an alternate pattern. The flowers are clustered and can range in color from pink to purple, with a yellow spot on the lower lip. The upper lip of the flower is erect, while the lower lip is down-facing. The plant blooms from April to June and produces small, oval-shaped fruits that contain numerous small seeds.
Growth Conditions for Orthocarpus campestris Benth.
Orthocarpus campestris Benth., commonly known as the field owl's-clover, is a small annual plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is widely spread throughout California, Southern Oregon, and Baja California. As an important part of prairie and grassland ecosystems, field owl's-clover is a delicate plant that requires specific light, temperature, and soil requirements to grow.
Light Requirements
Field owl's-clover requires full sun exposure to grow. It prefers direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. The plant's ability to photosynthesize depends on the available light, and it will not thrive in shady or partially shaded environments.
Temperature Requirements
Orthocarpus campestris is adapted to temperate regions within an elevation range of 0 to 3,300 feet. It grows best in regions that have warm summers, and mild winters. The optimum temperature range for field owl's-clover is between 68 and 86°F. The plant cannot thrive in extreme temperatures below 32°F and above 104°F.
Soil Requirements
The field owl's-clover prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils that have slightly alkaline to neutral pH levels. It does not tolerate waterlogging soils or soils that are too acidic. The optimum range of soil pH for this plant is 6.0-7.5. It is also tolerant of nutrient-poor soils but requires a specific group of soil microbes to help it absorb phosphorus. The plant depends on associations with certain microbial species to access nutrients.
Cultivation methods
Orthocarpus campestris Benth. is an annual wildflower that grows well in full sun and well-drained soils. The plant is typically propagated from seed, which can be sown directly into the ground in the spring or fall. It is advisable to prepare the soil by loosening it to about 12 inches deep and removing any debris or weeds. Seeds should be sown about 1/8-inch deep in rows spaced 12 inches apart. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about 6 inches apart to give room for growth.
Watering needs
Orthocarpus campestris Benth. requires moderate watering to establish and maintain healthy growth. The plant can tolerate drought but must be watered thoroughly during long dry periods. Watering should be deep enough to soak the roots, but not so much that the soil becomes waterlogged. You can use a moisture meter to determine if the soil is too dry or wet. As a general rule, watering should be done when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry.
Fertilization
Orthocarpus campestris Benth. does not require much fertilizer, but it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 once or twice during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied about 4-6 inches away from the base of the plant to avoid burning the stems and leaves. Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too vigorously and may reduce flower production.
Pruning
Orthocarpus campestris Benth. does not require much pruning, but you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Deadheading is done by removing the spent flowers from the stem just below the flower head. This is particularly important if you want to prolong the blooming season. You should also remove any damaged or diseased leaves or stems as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection and to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Orthocarpus campestris Benth.
Orthocarpus campestris Benth., commonly known as the field owl's clover, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. This plant species is native to North America, where it grows in meadows, pastures, and open woodlands. Propagation of Orthocarpus campestris Benth. can be achieved through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Orthocarpus campestris Benth. The seeds are collected from the dried flower spikes and stored in a cool and dry place until ready for planting. The seeds need to be stratified for several weeks before planting to improve their germination rate. Stratification is achieved by keeping the seeds moist and cold for several weeks. Once the seeds are stratified, they can be sown directly into the ground in the early spring or fall. The soil should be well-drained and fertile. The seeds will germinate in about two weeks, and the plants will reach maturity in about two to three years.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Orthocarpus campestris Benth. involves using parts of the plant, such as the stem or root, to grow new plants. This method is less common than seed propagation. The stem cuttings should be taken during the early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and without any flowers or buds. Remove the lower leaves and dip the bottom of the stem in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-drained and fertile soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and warm until the cutting establishes roots, which takes about 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be transplanted into the ground or a larger container.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Orthocarpus campestris Benth. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stem, and transplanting them to new locations. Division is best done in the early spring when the plant is actively growing. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the sections using a sharp knife or shears. Replant each section in a well-drained and fertile soil mixture. Keep the soil moist until the plants have established new roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Orthocarpus campestris Benth.
Orthocarpus campestris Benth., also known as the field owl's-clover, is a small annual herb that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. Although it is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions, it is still susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth, yield, and overall health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and how to manage them.
Diseases
Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease can cause yellowing, wilting, and necrosis of Orthocarpus campestris Benth. leaves and stems. It can also affect the plant's root system and reduce its ability to absorb nutrients and water. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plants, rotate crops, and avoid planting susceptible plants in the same area for several years.
Rust: Rust is a common fungal disease that can cause orange-brown blisters on leaves, stems, and flowers of Orthocarpus campestris Benth. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plants, practice good plant hygiene, and apply fungicides as needed.
Phytophthora Root Rot: This soil-borne disease can affect Orthocarpus campestris Benth.'s root system, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to plant in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and remove and destroy infected plants.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cluster on leaves and stems of Orthocarpus campestris Benth. They can cause wilting, yellowing, and distortion of leaves and buds. To manage aphids, it is recommended to wash plants with a strong spray of water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause yellowing, bronzing, and webbing of leaves of Orthocarpus campestris Benth. They can also reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize and reproduce. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to wash plants with a strong spray of water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and encourage natural predators like predatory mites and lacewings.
Snails and slugs: These mollusks can feed on Orthocarpus campestris Benth.'s leaves, stems, and flowers, leaving behind ragged holes and slime trails. To manage snails and slugs, it is recommended to handpick and remove them, use physical barriers like copper tape or crushed eggshells, and apply iron phosphate-based bait.
By being vigilant and taking proactive measures to prevent and manage diseases and pests, you can help ensure the health and productivity of Orthocarpus campestris Benth. for years to come.
