Origin
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh is a plant that is native to North America. It is found throughout Canada and in the northern United States.
Common Names
The plant has several common names including Arctic oxytrope, northern oxytrope and woolly oxytrope.
Uses
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh has been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes. The roots of the plant were brewed into a tea and used to treat respiratory problems. However, the plant also contains toxic alkaloids, and therefore consuming it is not recommended.
General Appearance
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 12 inches tall. It has a thick, woolly stem and leaves that are composed of several narrow leaflets. The flowers are usually purple or pink and appear in early to mid-summer. They are arranged in a dense, elongated cluster at the top of the stem.
Light Requirement for Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh typically grows best in full sunlight. They need at least six hours of sunlight but prefer even more. It is a sun-loving plant and will not thrive in the shade. A good location for planting would be a place where it receives full sunlight or at least partial sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirement for Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh is a cold-hardy plant and can withstand temperatures down to -40?. However, it prefers cooler temperatures in the range of 15-24?. It can grow in a variety of climates, but it needs a cool winter dormancy period, with some freezing temperatures. It is essential to protect the plants from extreme heat during the summer as they do not tolerate high temperatures well.
Soil Requirement for Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh
It is important to select a well-drained area for planting Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH in the range of 5.6-6.5. The plant is tolerant of many soil types but prefers a sandy-loam or gravelly soil type. Soil fertility is not a major requirement for them as they can survive in nutrient-poor soils.
Cultivation Methods
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil. The plant prefers a sandy or loamy soil and grows well in acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil. To cultivate this plant, first, prepare the soil bed thoroughly by removing all weeds, rocks, and debris. The next step is to sow the seeds in spring or fall, depending on your climate. Spread a thin layer of soil over the seeds, then water the bed gently using a watering can. Cover the bed with a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture, protect the seedlings from overheating, and prevent the growth of weeds.
Watering Needs
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh requires moderate watering from spring to fall. Ensure that the soil is damp but not waterlogged. Avoid watering the plant during the winter season as the plant is dormant and can survive for long periods without water. Check the soil moisture levels by inserting your finger into the soil every few days. If the soil feels dry, water the plant gently using a watering can until the soil feels damp.
Fertilization
The plant requires minimal fertilization during the growing season. Fertilize the plant once a year in the early spring season using a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Follow the packaging instructions and only apply the fertilizer after watering the plant. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can cause a buildup of salts that may damage the plant's roots and foliage.
Pruning
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh generally does not require pruning, but it may be necessary to remove dead or damaged leaves or branches to encourage new growth. Use a sharp and sterile pruning shears to cut off the affected parts of the plant. Prune the plant after the blooming season and avoid pruning it during the winter season when it is dormant.
Propagation of Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh can be propagated through seeds as well as vegetative means. The following are some propagation methods:
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh need to be stratified before sowing. Stratification involves treating the seeds to mimic the natural winter conditions. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in a moist medium such as sand or peat and refrigerating them at 3-5°C for 4-6 weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be sown directly in soil or started indoors to be transplanted later.
Division of Clumps
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh can also be propagated through division of clumps. This method involves digging up the clump and carefully separating the individual plants. Each plant can then be repotted or planted directly in the ground. It is essential to ensure that each separated plant has a sufficient amount of roots and foliage to survive on its own.
Root Cuttings
Another method of propagating Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh is through root cuttings. This method involves taking a small section of root, preferably from a mature plant, and planting it in a pot with potting soil. The pot should be kept moist and in a shaded area until the new plant is established.
Overall, Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh is a relatively easy plant to propagate. With proper care and attention, it can be propagated through any of the above methods to produce new plants.
Disease Management:
Like all plants, Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh is also susceptible to diseases and requires proper disease management to maintain its healthy growth. Below are some common diseases that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Anthrachnose:
Anthrachnose can cause spots on the leaves, stem, and flowers of Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh. The plant can become severely infected, leading to the death of the plant. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to the development of anthracnose. Use fungicides if necessary.
Rust:
The rust pathogen can cause orange and brown spots on plants. It can also cause yellow and white spots on the leaves of Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh. The use of fungicides can help prevent rust infections. Avoid overwatering and improve air circulation around the plant at all times.
Verticillium Wilt:
This disease causes the leaves of affected plants to wilt and turn brown. Infected plants will eventually die. Remove and dispose of any infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can be used to manage the spread of the disease.
Pest Management:
Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh can also attract pests that can damage the plant. Proper pest management is necessary to maintain plant health. Below are some common pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids:
Aphids are small insects that can suck sap from Oxytropis borealis DC. var. australis Welsh, thereby weakening the plant. They can be controlled by manually removing them or with insecticidal soaps or oils.
Spider Mites:
Spider mites are also common pests that can damage this plant. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soaps or oils to manage spider mites.
Cutworms:
Cutworms are the larvae of several nocturnal moth species. They can cut through the stems of plants, thereby damaging the plant. To control cutworms, handpick them if possible, or use insecticides and other biological controls.
