Origin and Common Names
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén, commonly known as Jordal's oxytrope, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae or legume family. It is a subspecies of Oxytropis campestris, and can be found in the subarctic regions of the world including Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
Appearance
Jordal's oxytrope has a unique and distinctive appearance. This plant species typically grows to about 30 centimeters in height and has a bushy or tufted appearance. Its leaves are bright green, long, and narrow. Its flowers, which bloom from May to August, are typically purple to pink in color and are shaped like a pea blossom. The plant's fruit is a cylindrical pod that contains round seeds.
Uses
Jordal's oxytrope is primarily used for medicinal purposes. Its roots and leaves have been traditionally used by Native Americans and Inuit peoples to make tea, which is believed to be effective in treating various ailments such as cough, colds, and sore throat. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to relieve pain and ease digestive problems. However, caution should be exercised in consuming the plant as its alkaloids can be toxic in high doses.
In addition, Jordal's oxytrope also has ecological importance as it is an important food source for a variety of wildlife such as caribou and musk oxen, and its nitrogen-fixing properties contribute to soil improvement and restoration.
Overall, Jordal's oxytrope is a fascinating and multi-functional plant species that deserves attention and protection.Growth conditions of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén
Light: Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, but it prefers bright sunlight for optimal growth. In partial shade, it may exhibit a slower growth rate, but it will still thrive.
Temperature: This plant can withstand a wide range of temperatures and can survive in both warm and cold conditions. It is a hardy perennial and can withstand harsh winters, making it ideal for temperate to sub-arctic climates. It typically grows best in regions with temperatures ranging from 5 to 20 °C.
Soil: Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén prefers well-draining, sandy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including poor soils with low fertility. This plant can also tolerate dry soil conditions, making it a great candidate for xeriscaping and other water-saving gardening methods.
Water: While this plant can endure dry soil conditions, it still requires adequate watering to ensure proper growth and development. Watering frequency will depend on the climate and soil conditions, but it is generally recommended to water when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Fertilizer: Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén does not require much fertilizer and can thrive in low-nutrient soils. However, a general-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a year to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Cultivation Methods
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of soil types. The plant requires full sunlight and should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
If planting from seed, sow in the early spring when the soil temperature reaches approximately 15-20°C. The seeds should be sown approximately 3-5mm deep and spaced 10-15cm apart. The plant will typically germinate within two weeks.
Watering Needs
While Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén does not require a lot of water, it is important to keep the soil moist. Water your plant consistently, but be careful not to overwater. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and the soil type. In general, the plant should be watered every 7-14 days.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén is not typically necessary. The plant can thrive in poor soil conditions. However, if you want to encourage growth and flowering, you can fertilize the plant once or twice per year.
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer in the spring or early summer before flowering begins. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can burn the roots and damage the plant.
Pruning
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén does not require pruning to grow successfully. However, if the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, you can trim back the stems by up to one-third of their length.
Pruning is best done in the fall after the plant has finished flowering. Be sure to use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings depending on the availability of plant material and the desired outcome.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the easiest and most common method for propagating Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén. The seeds can be collected in the fall and sown immediately, or stored in a cool and dry place for later use. Prior to sowing, the seeds should be subjected to a cold stratification treatment by placing them in the refrigerator for 60-90 days. The stratified seeds can then be sown in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until they germinate, which typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections that each contain roots and shoots. This method is best performed in the spring or early fall when the plant is actively growing. The parent plant should be carefully dug up, and the root ball should be gently separated into smaller sections with a sharp knife or garden fork. Each section should have several shoots and a good amount of roots. The sections can then be immediately replanted in a suitable location and kept well-watered until they are established.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is less common but can be done successfully with Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. ssp. jordalii (Porsild) Hultén. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept moist and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Rooting should occur in 2-4 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted once they have developed a good root system.
Disease and Pest Management of Oxytropis campestris ssp. jordalii
Oxytropis campestris ssp. jordalii is a wildflower that is native to Canada and Alaska. While the plant does not have many significant disease or pest problems, there are still some issues that gardeners and growers should be aware of.
Common Disease Problems
One of the most common diseases that affect Oxytropis campestris ssp. jordalii is root rot, which is caused by various fungi. Root rot will cause the foliage of the plant to wilt and turn yellow, and the roots will appear soft and mushy. Infected plants may also have a foul odor. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and make sure the soil has good drainage. Fungicides may be used to control severe infections.
Common Pest Problems
The most common pests that affect Oxytropis campestris ssp. jordalii are aphids and spider mites. Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to wilt and yellow. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, creating a stippled appearance and causing the leaves to yellow and fall off. To control aphids and spider mites, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the plant or use insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can help control their populations.
Overall, Oxytropis campestris ssp. jordalii is a relatively easy plant to grow and maintain. By following proper growing practices and promptly addressing any disease or pest issues, gardeners can enjoy healthy and beautiful plants for years to come.
