Description of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is a low-growing perennial herb that is native to North America, specifically found in the northeastern and northwestern regions of the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Some common names for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby include field locoweed and chartacea. The species is also sometimes referred to as Oxytrope des champs in French.
Appearance
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby has green leaves that grow in a rosette formation. The stem of the plant is short and the flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer, are pinkish-purple or white. The plant typically grows to a height of 10-30 cm and has a spread of about the same size.
Uses
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby has been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments. However, it has also been known to cause toxicity in livestock who ingest the plant. As such, caution should be taken when handling this plant and its consumption should be avoided.
Overall, Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby is a unique and interesting plant species that is found throughout North America.
Light Requirements
Oxytropis campestris var. chartacea is a sun-loving plant that prefers full sunlight. It grows best in areas that receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. It does not tolerate shady conditions and will not thrive if grown in an area with less than six hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Oxytropis campestris var. chartacea is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in areas with low rainfall. It can survive in temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F) and as high as 30°C (86°F). However, it prefers cooler temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F).
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis campestris var. chartacea grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and can tolerate soils that are low in fertility. However, it does not grow well in wet or poorly drained soils. It is adapted to a range of soil textures, including loam, sand, and clay soils.
Cultivation
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soil. The plant can be propagated by seed, and it responds well to division in the fall or early spring.
Watering Needs
While the plant is drought-tolerant, it needs regular watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth and blooming. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby does not require much fertilization. However, feeding the plant once a year, preferably in the spring, with a balanced fertilizer can boost its growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to leggy growth with fewer blooms.
Pruning
Pruning Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby is not necessary but can be done to shape the plant's growth or improve airflow. The plant can be cut back to half its height after blooming, and any dead or damaged foliage removed. Avoid excessive pruning as it can lead to reduced blooming in the following season.
Propagation of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. chartacea (Fassett) Barneby can be propagated via seed or division.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation can be done indoors or outdoors. The ideal time for seed sowing is in the spring or fall when soil temperatures are cool.
The seeds should be sown 1/8 inch deep in well-draining soil, and kept moist until germination. Germination can take up to 2-4 weeks.
Once the seedlings have developed 2-3 true leaves, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is best done in the early spring while the plant is still dormant.
To divide the plant, gently remove the soil around the base of the plant and separate the roots and stems into smaller sections.
Each section should have a good portion of roots and stems to ensure that it can establish itself in its new location.
The new sections can then be planted in their permanent location, and watered thoroughly.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect Oxytropis campestris var. chartacea is root rot, which occurs due to overwatering or poor drainage. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil has proper drainage. Applying fungicides such as copper-based compounds may also help control root rot.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that can affect the leaves and stems of the plant. The disease causes brown or black lesions on the affected parts and can lead to the death of the plant if not managed. To control anthracnose, avoid overhead watering, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and use fungicides such as copper or sulfur-based products.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that affect Oxytropis campestris var. chartacea is the cutworm, which feeds on the stems and leaves of the plant. To manage cutworms, handpicking the larvae or using biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) may help reduce their populations.
The plant can also be affected by spider mites, which cause yellowing and necrosis of the leaves. To manage spider mites, regular monitoring and early detection are crucial. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can also control the pests.
Another pest that can affect the plant is aphids, which suck sap from the leaves and stems. The infestation can cause yellowing and curling of leaves and stunted growth. Regular monitoring and the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil may help control aphids.
