Overview
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is also known by several other names such as Cervine Locoweed, Field Oxytrope, and Purple Locoweed.
Appearance
The plant's leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, and approximately 5-18 cm long. They are covered with white hairs and consist of 9-23 leaflets. The flowers are deep purple and arranged in a dense spike-like cluster that emerges from the leaf axils. The fruit is a pod that contains one to four seeds. Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin usually grows up to 10-50 cm in height and 5-25 cm in width.
Origin
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin is native to North America and can be found in several regions such as the western United States and Canada where it grows in grasslands, meadows, and open forests.
Uses
The plant has some medicinal properties, and it has been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments such as diarrhea, colic, and respiratory issues. However, the plant contains some toxic compounds, such as swainsonine, which can be harmful when ingested by humans, livestock, and wildlife.
Light Requirements:
Oxytropis campestris var. cervinus prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows best in open areas or in places with low-lying vegetation. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not grow well without enough sunlight.
Temperature Requirements:
Oxytropis campestris var. cervinus grows in a range of temperatures, but it prefers cooler temperatures. It can tolerate low temperatures of up to -40°C and high temperatures of up to 40°C. In general, it grows well in cool and moist conditions.
Soil Requirements:
Oxytropis campestris var. cervinus grows in well-drained soil. The soil should be composed of gravelly or sandy loams and must be well-drained. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. It is often found in dry, rocky, or sandy areas such as grasslands, meadows, and open forests.
Cultivation Methods
The Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin plant is adaptable to various climates and can be cultivated throughout the year. It can either be grown as an indoor plant or an outdoor plant, depending on the climatic conditions of the area. The plant prefers well-drained soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH level of about 7.0. It requires adequate sunlight exposure, preferably in the morning and afternoon. The plant is propagated either through seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
The Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin plant requires moderate watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, leading to plant death. Therefore, the plant should be watered only when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Watering should be done slowly to allow proper absorption by the soil. During the winter season, it should be watered sparingly.
Fertilization
The Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin plant requires fertilization during the growing season, which is spring and summer. Fertilization should be done using a balanced plant fertilizer, which supplies essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can cause leaf burn.
Pruning
The Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin plant requires pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done during the dormant period, which is the winter season. The plant should be pruned selectively, removing dead and damaged branches as well as those that cross over each other to allow proper air circulation and sunlight penetration. The pruning tools should be sharp and sterilized to avoid spreading plant diseases.
Propagation of Oxytropis Campestris (L.) DC. var. Cervinus (Greene) Boivin
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin, commonly known as field locoweed, occurs naturally in grasslands and open areas of the western United States and Canada. The plant is a member of the pea family and a perennial legume. It is a hardy plant that can survive in a range of climates and soils, making it an attractive option for gardeners and landscapers. Propagation of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin can be done by several methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common and simplest method of propagation of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin is through seed. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors in containers. To start indoors, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Keep the soil moist and warm (60-65°F) until germination, which takes 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden. Seed propagation is best done in the spring or fall, as the plant goes dormant during the summer.
Cutting Propagation
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin can be propagated by cuttings as well. Take softwood cuttings in the spring or hardwood cuttings in late summer. Use a sharp, sterile knife to take a 4-6 inch cutting from the parent plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist and warm (65-70°F). Once roots have developed, usually in 4-6 weeks, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Division Propagation
Division is another method of propagating Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin. Divide the plant in the spring or fall when it is dormant. Dig up the plant and separate it into smaller clumps, making sure each clump has several buds and a good root system. Replant the clumps in the garden or pots, and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin, commonly known as field oxytropis, is a North American legume species that typically grows in dry, sandy soil. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Root Rot: Root rot is a common fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant. It causes the roots to rot, which can lead to stunted growth and death. To manage root rot, it’s important to plant the seeds in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering the plant.
2. Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes dark brown spots on the leaves of the plant. Severe infection can cause the plant to defoliate. To manage leaf spot, it’s important to promptly remove and destroy any infected leaves. Fungicide applications can also be helpful in controlling severe infection.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause leaves to curl and wilt, and can also transmit plant viruses. A strong blast of water from a hose can help to remove aphids from the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control severe aphid infestations.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are microscopic pests that suck the sap from the leaves of plants. They can cause the leaves to become yellow and mottled. The use of a strong blast of water from a hose and the introduction of natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings can help to manage spider mites. If necessary, acaricides can be used to control severe infestations.
3. Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stems of the plant. To manage cutworms, it’s important to remove weeds and other plant debris from around the plant as they can provide cover for the pests. The use of row covers and regular hand picking can also help to control severe cutworm infestations.
By taking preventative measures and using appropriate management techniques, it’s possible to limit the impact of diseases and pests on Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cervinus (Greene) Boivin, and help the plant to thrive.
