Overview of Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank.
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. is commonly known as Bessey's locoweed, a nitrogen-fixing perennial plant in the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to the western regions of North America, including Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and northern Utah. The plant usually grows at high elevations in the mountains, meadows, and open woodlands with well-drained soil. Its seeds have dormancy and require stratification for germination, which helps the plant to survive harsh winters.
Appearance of Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank.
Bessey's locoweed has a compact, low-growing, and matted appearance, with a woody base and a taproot, up to 2 feet wide and 6 inches tall. Its stems are covered with white or silver hairs and have a purplish-pink color near the base. The leaves are pinnately compound, with numerous oval-shaped leaflets arranged on each leaflet stem. The leaflets are light green, hairy, and slightly glossy on the upper surface, while the lower surface is paler and sparsely hairy.
Uses of Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank.
Bessey's locoweed is a highly valued plant in the ecosystem as it provides essential services, such as soil stabilization and nutrient cycling. The plant's nitrogen-fixing ability helps improve soil fertility, making it an essential component of the natural plant community in the western regions of North America. In traditional medicine, the root of this plant has been used to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and fever. However, it contains toxic compounds such as swainsonine, making it unsafe for human consumption.
Light Requirements
Oxytropis besseyi is a sun-loving plant and therefore requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It thrives in areas with bright, direct sunlight and is often found in open meadows or on hillsides with little to no shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to grow in cold climatic conditions and can tolerate extremely low temperatures. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. However, it cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to high temperatures and prefers to grow in areas where temperatures are between 5°C to 25°C.
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis besseyi typically grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It does not do well in heavy soils that are poorly drained and prone to waterlogging. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 to 7.5. It is commonly found in areas with coarse-textured, well-drained soils, and rocky soils.
Cultivation Methods
Oxytropis besseyi, also known as Bessey's locoweed or western oxytrope, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows wild in the western United States. It prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils and thrives in full sun or partial shade.
When cultivating Oxytropis besseyi, it is important to start with healthy seeds or young plants. Plant the seeds indoors in early spring or directly into the soil once all danger of frost has passed. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to give them room to grow.
Watering Needs
Oxytropis besseyi requires consistent moisture to thrive but cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. Water the plants deeply once a week or more frequently during hot, dry weather. Avoid overhead watering as this can encourage fungal diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plant and around the root zone.
Fertilization
Fertilize Oxytropis besseyi in the early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use compost or aged manure to provide nutrients to the soil. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as this can cause the plant to produce excess foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Prune Oxytropis besseyi in early summer after the bloom period has ended. Cut back the stems by about half to encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout the growing season to encourage continued flower production. Removing dead stems and foliage throughout the plant's life will help maintain its overall health and appearance.
Propagation of Oxytropis besseyi
Oxytropis besseyi is typically propagated through seeds. Here are some details about the propagation methods:
Seed Collection
Seeds for Oxytropis besseyi should be harvested in late summer or early autumn. It is important to ensure that the seed pods are fully matured before collecting the seeds. This is marked by turning brown and drying out. Seed pods should be cut from the plant and dried in a cool, dry place until they split open and reveal the seeds inside.
Seed Stratification
Seeds from Oxytropis besseyi require a period of stratification in order to germinate successfully. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in a damp, sterile medium and leaving them in a refrigerator for several weeks to several months. Alternatively, seeds can be sown outdoors in the late autumn, where the natural freeze-thaw cycles will provide the necessary stratification.
Seed Sowing
When sowing Oxytropis besseyi seeds, they should be planted about 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause the seeds to rot. Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Disease and Pest management for Oxytropis Besseyi (Rydb.) Blank.
Like all other plants, Oxytropis besseyi is prone to diseases and pests. Preventive measures must be taken to ensure that the plant is safe from infestation.
Common Diseases
There are a few diseases that commonly affect Oxytropis besseyi. Some of the common diseases are listed below:
- Leaf Spot: It is caused by a fungus and results in brown, black, or gray spots on the leaves. The spots may be circular or irregular in shape. The infected leaves may drop, causing defoliation. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected parts, use fungicides, and avoid overhead watering.
- Root Rot: It is caused by a fungus and results in the wilting and eventual death of the plant. The infected roots become brown and mushy. To manage this disease, it is recommended to improve the drainage of the soil and avoid over-watering.
- Anthracnose: It is caused by a fungus and results in the browning and drying of the leaves. The infected leaves may drop, causing defoliation. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected parts, use fungicides, and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
There are a few pests that commonly affect Oxytropis besseyi. Some of the common pests are listed below:
- Aphids: They are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves, resulting in yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to wash the plant with water and soap, use insecticides, and introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: They are tiny, spider-like pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and falling of the leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to wash the plant with water, use insecticides, and increase the humidity around the plant.
- Leafminers: They are tiny, worm-like pests that bore into the leaves, leaving white or brown trails. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove the infected parts and use insecticides.
Regular monitoring and preventive measures can help to keep the plant healthy and free from diseases and pests. It is important to consult a professional if there is a severe infestation or disease outbreak.
