Origin
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby, commonly known as Bessey's locoweed, is a native perennial herb found in the western part of North America, specifically in the states of Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby include Bessey's locoweed, Bessey's oxytrope, Bessey's crazyweed, and woolly locoweed.
Uses
While the plant is known to be poisonous to livestock, some First Nations tribes have used Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby for medicinal purposes. Specifically, it has been used as an aid for rheumatism, as well as a treatment for arrow wounds.
Appearance
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby typically grows to about 6-13 inches tall and has woolly leaves and flowers. The plant's flowers are purple in color and grow in spike-like clusters at the end of the stem. The plant also has a taproot system, which allows it to withstand drought conditions.
Growth Conditions for Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby, commonly known as Bessey's locoweed, is a perennial plant species found in North America. It is a member of the pea family and is typically found in grasslands with sandy soils, rocky slopes, and sagebrush steppe ecosystems. The plant has a deep taproot that is essential for its survival in this habitat.
Light Requirements
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby prefers to grow in full sun; however, it can tolerate some shade. In low light levels, the plant will become leggy and have fewer flowers. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in areas with direct sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby is adapted to grow in regions with cold winters and hot summers. The plant thrives in temperatures between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius during the growing season, which typically starts in early spring and ends in late fall. However, during the winter months, the plant can survive temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soils that are slightly alkaline. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam and clay, but it needs good drainage to prevent root rot. Additionally, the plant can grow in nutrient-poor soils and does not require fertilizer. However, adding organic matter to the soil can help improve soil structure and provide nutrients for the plant.
Cultivation of Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby is a herbaceous perennial plant that prefers cool temperatures and well-draining soils. It is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.
The plant needs to be grown in a bright location that receives full sun to partial shade. It is also essential to provide it with some protection from harsh winds, which can damage the delicate foliage.
Watering Needs of Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. The soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged.
The best way to water this plant is to allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. This approach helps prevent root rot and fungal diseases from developing.
Fertilization of Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby
Fertilizing the plant during the growing season can enhance its overall health and promote robust growth. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month from spring to summer to see the best results.
It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilization, which can cause nutrient burn and other issues. Also, keep in mind that excessive fertilization can result in lush foliage but limited flowering.
Pruning Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby does not require much pruning. Deadheading the spent flowers and removing any diseased or damaged foliage can help prevent pest infestations and encourage new growth.
You can also trim the plant in early spring to control its size and shape. Cut back the overgrown stems and remove any crossing branches to keep the plant tidy and well-groomed.
Propagation of Oxytropis besseyi var. fallax
Oxytropis besseyi var. fallax, commonly known as Bessey's locoweed, is a perennial plant that grows in rocky or gravelly soils in the western United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Oxytropis besseyi var. fallax can be done through the collection and sowing of seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature seed pods in the fall, and then stored in a cool, dry place until spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs.
Asexual Propagation
Oxytropis besseyi var. fallax can also be propagated asexually through vegetative propagation. This can be done through division of mature plants in the spring or fall. The plant can be dug up and carefully divided into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems. These smaller sections can then be planted in their own containers or directly in the ground. It's important to keep the soil moist until the new plants have established roots.
Disease Management
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby can be affected by different diseases, such as root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by various soil-borne fungi and can often lead to plant death. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that typically affects the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to a white, powdery appearance. Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes circular or angular spots on the leaves, progressively leading to defoliation.
To prevent these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying any infected plant debris. Providing well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering can also help prevent root rot. Applying a fungicide can help control powdery mildew and leaf spot if the disease is caught early enough.
Pest Management
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. fallax Barneby is also susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids and spider mites feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to yellow and distort. Thrips feed on the leaves and flowers, causing silvery patches and brown spots.
To control these pests, a regular spray of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective. Predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced into the environment to help control aphids and spider mites. Regular monitoring of the plants to catch any infestations early can also prevent severe damage to the plant.
