Origin
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. obnapiformis (C.L. Porter) Welsh is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the western United States, where it is found in high-elevation habitats such as alpine meadows and talus slopes.
Common Names
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. obnapiformis (C.L. Porter) Welsh is known by a variety of common names, including Bessey's locoweed, Bessey's oxytrope, and Bigelow's oxytrope.
Uses
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. obnapiformis (C.L. Porter) Welsh is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes due to its toxicity. However, it has historically been used by indigenous people for its hallucinogenic effects, and it is still used today in some Native American spiritual practices.
General Appearance
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. obnapiformis (C.L. Porter) Welsh is a perennial plant that typically grows to a height of 5-20 cm. It has a deep taproot and forms clumps of basal leaves. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7-13 leaflets per leaf. The flowers are small and pale purple, and they grow in elongated clusters. The fruit is a narrow, cylindrical pod that contains several seeds.
Overall, Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. obnapiformis (C.L. Porter) Welsh is a unique and interesting plant with a rich cultural history. While it is not suitable for most modern uses, it continues to be an important part of traditional Native American practices.
Light Requirements
Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis is a plant species that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs an adequate amount of sunlight to photosynthesize and produce food for its growth. Therefore, it grows best in areas where there is at least six hours of sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is native to the high-altitude regions of the western United States, including Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. It grows best in cooler temperatures and can withstand frosty conditions. The optimum temperature for its growth is between 35°F and 59°F, and hot and humid regions are not suitable for its cultivation.
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis grows in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers soils with a pH range of 4.8 - 7.5 and can tolerate soils with moderate salinity. It can tolerate dry conditions but prefers soils that are consistently moist.
Cultivation methods
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. obnapiformis (C.L. Porter) Welsh is a native plant to the western United States. It prefers to grow in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. This plant should be grown in areas that receive full sunlight and can tolerate shade.
It is best to propagate Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. obnapiformis (C.L. Porter) Welsh by seed. Seedlings should be transplanted after the last frost when the soil has warmed up and the seedlings have grown to a height of two inches. The seedlings should be spaced 12 inches apart.
Watering needs
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. obnapiformis (C.L. Porter) Welsh does not require excessive watering but prefers moderate moisture. Water the plant when the soil dries out and avoid watering during winter dormancy. Overwatering can lead to root rot and damage the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. obnapiformis (C.L. Porter) Welsh, as it grows well in nutrient-poor soil. However, it can benefit from a light application of nitrogen-based fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. obnapiformis (C.L. Porter) Welsh, as it grows as a low, mounding, herbaceous perennial. However, deadheading can promote prolonged blooming and overall plant health.
Propagation of Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis
Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis can be propagated via several methods, including seed propagation, division, and cuttings.
Seed propagation
Propagation via seeds is the easiest and most cost-effective method. Collect the seed pods when they have matured and dried on the plant. Sow the seeds in a soil mix that drains well and keep them moist. Germination occurs within 3-4 weeks and seedlings can be transplanted into their permanent location after they have developed several leaves.
Division
Division is another method of propagation that can be used for mature plants. Divide the clumps in the early spring or fall. Using a sharp spade, slice the clump into sections and replant them in their permanent location. Water the plants frequently while they establish their root systems, and avoid fertilizing for a month after transplanting.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from mature plants in the late spring or early summer. Cut 2-4 inch sections from new growth that has not yet flowered. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and out of direct sunlight. Roots will develop within a few weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted into their permanent location once they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis
Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis is a plant species that is known for its resistance to diseases and pests. However, it is not uncommon for this plant to be affected by a few diseases and pests. In this section, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis, as well as suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases of Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis
Some of the common diseases that can affect Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis include:
- Fungal infections: Fungal infections can cause the yellowing and wilting of the plant's foliage. To manage fungal infections, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts and treat the plant with fungicides.
- Crown rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that causes the decay of the plant's roots and crown. To manage crown rot, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts and treat the plant with fungicides.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots, causing yellowing and wilting of the foliage. To manage root rot, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts and keep the plant's soil well-drained.
Common Pests of Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis
Some of the common pests that can affect Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the plant's foliage. To manage aphids, it is important to wash the foliage of the plant with soapy water or treat the plant with insecticides.
- Scales: Scales are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing the yellowing and wilting of the plant's foliage. To manage scales, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts and treat the plant with insecticides.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are small pests that can cause yellowing and wilting of the plant's foliage. To manage spider mites, it is important to wash the foliage of the plant with soapy water or treat the plant with insecticides.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Oxytropis besseyi var. obnapiformis requires a combination of good cultural practices and the use of chemical treatments when necessary. It is important to maintain good plant health by providing the plant with optimal growing conditions, including proper soil drainage, adequate sunlight, and regular fertilization. Additionally, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of diseases and pests so that prompt action can be taken if an infestation is detected.
