Overview of Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc.
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. is a small-statured herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. This plant is native to North America but has become naturalized in various regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Common Names
This plant has several common names, including creeping wood sorrel, sleeping beauty, yellow oxalis, and procumbent yellow-sorrel.
Appearance
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. has a unique appearance. The plant forms a mat-like cover on the ground, with stems that are thin, branched, and grow up to 12 inches long. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet shaped like a heart, and have a vibrant green color. The plant produces yellow flowers that are small, five-petaled, and borne in clusters on long stalks.
Uses
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. has various uses. In traditional medicine, this plant is infused to treat indigestion, fever, and inflammation. Additionally, the leaves of this plant have a slightly sour taste, and are consumed raw or cooked in salads, soups, teas, or stews. The plant is also used in ornamental gardens due to its attractive appearance and ability to form dense mats of foliage.
Light Requirements:
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. grows best in full sun or partial shade. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. In areas with very hot summers, partial shade is beneficial to prevent the plant from drying out.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant is a hardy perennial that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is best suited to USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8, which have average minimum temperatures of -20°F to 20°F. In these zones, the plant can be expected to survive winter frosts and snowfall. During the growing season, the ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 80°F.
Soil Requirements:
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant can tolerate moderate drought, but it requires regular watering to thrive. Overly wet soil can promote rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level. This plant is suitable for a wide range of climate conditions, making it a popular choice for gardeners all over the world.
Watering Needs
Watering Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. requires careful attention. These plants prefer moist soil, but they don't tolerate standing water. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It's important to water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, but be sure not to let the soil dry out completely. During the summer months when the plant is actively growing, it's advisable to water it more frequently.
Fertilization
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. can be fertilized using a slow-release fertilizer applied during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, as over-fertilizing can lead to root burn. Alternatively, you can make your own organic fertilizer by mixing compost, bone meal, and blood meal in equal parts. Apply the organic fertilizer to the soil twice a year.
Pruning
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. does not require regular pruning, but occasional maintenance is recommended to keep the plant looking its best. Remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems, and prune back any overgrown shoots. This plant can also be propagated by cutting back the stems and planting the cuttings in moist potting soil.
Propagation of Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc.
There are four main methods of propagating Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc.: division, cuttings, seeds, and bulbils.
Division
Division is the simplest method of propagating Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. It involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This process should be done in the spring or fall.
To divide Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc.:
- Carefully dig up the plant.
- Gently separate the sections of the plant by pulling the roots apart. Make sure each section has both roots and shoots.
- Replant the sections in a well-drained soil mix.
- Water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist until new growth appears.
Cuttings
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. can also be propagated from cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
To propagate Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. from cuttings:
- Cut a stem of the plant to a length of 3-5 inches.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
- Plant the stem in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix.
- Water the cutting thoroughly and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
- Place the pot in a bright area, but out of direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks, roots should start to form and new growth should appear.
Seeds
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. can be propagated from seeds. Seeds should be collected from the plant in late summer and sown in the fall or early spring.
To propagate Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. from seeds:
- Collect the seeds from the plant in late summer.
- Sow the seeds in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix.
- Water the soil thoroughly and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
- Place the pot in a bright area, but out of direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks, the seeds should begin to germinate.
- Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Bulbils
In addition to seeds, Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. also produces bulbils, which are small, bulb-like structures that form along the stem of the plant. These can be used to propagate the plant.
To propagate Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. from bulbils:
- Wait for the bulbils to mature on the plant.
- Carefully remove the bulbils from the plant.
- Plant the bulbils in a well-draining soil mix.
- Water the soil thoroughly and keep it evenly moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. is susceptible to a few diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. The following are some common diseases that may affect this plant:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems, which can decrease the plant's ability to photosynthesize and produce energy. Powdery mildew is most common in humid conditions and can be prevented with proper ventilation and by avoiding overhead watering. Treatment can include removing infected leaves and using fungicides.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This bacterial disease causes irregularly shaped spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation if left untreated. Bacterial leaf spot can be avoided by avoiding overhead watering and by using copper-based fungicides.
To effectively manage diseases in Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc., it is essential to maintain optimal growing conditions and practices.
Pest Management
Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. is also susceptible to a few pests that can cause significant damage if left uncontrolled. The following are some common pests that may affect this plant:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the plants, which can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Aphids can be controlled by regular insecticidal soap sprays or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap and can cause yellowed, stippled leaves and defoliation. Controlling spider mites can involve increasing humidity around the plant, using insecticidal soap sprays, or introducing predatory mites.
To manage and prevent pest infestations, it is essential to maintain a healthy, pest-free growing environment. This can include proper watering and fertilization, regular inspection for signs of infestation, and swift action to control any pest problems that arise. By staying vigilant and taking preventive measures, growers can successfully manage diseases and pests in Oxalis corniculata L. var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. and ensure healthy growth and yields.
