Origin
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby, commonly known as Cusick's locoweed, is a plant species of the Fabaceae family. It is native to North America, specifically found in the western regions of the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Cusick's locoweed is the most common name of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii. Other common names include Purple locoweed and Camas.
Uses
Despite its toxicity to livestock and humans, Cusick's locoweed has been noted for its medicinal uses by Native American tribes. These tribes used the plant to treat respiratory ailments and infections, and it was also used as a pain reliever and as an antidiarrheal agent.
The plant has also been utilized as a food source by Native American tribes in the region. The roots of the plant are known to be edible after treatment to remove toxins.
General Appearance
Cusick's locoweed is a perennial herb that grows up to 30-70 cm tall. The plant has multiple stems that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are pinnate and can have 3-7 leaflets. The flowers are purple in color and form in clusters on the stem. The plant produces a pod that contains seeds.
Due to its toxicity to livestock and humans, it is important to handle Cusick's locoweed with caution and to avoid ingestion or contact with the eyes or skin.
Light Requirements
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby requires full sun to thrive. At least six hours of direct sunlight is preferred, although some afternoon shade may be necessary in hot climates.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is cold hardy and can tolerate freezing temperatures. It is adapted to grow in alpine and sub-alpine environments where temperatures can be extreme. However, during the growing season, temperatures around 60 °F (15 °C) are ideal.
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby prefers well-draining and slightly acidic soils. The plant can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it does not thrive in heavy clay soils with poor drainage.
Cultivation of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby, commonly known as Cusick's oxytrope, is a plant that belongs to the legume family. It is a beautiful plant that can be grown successfully outdoors in a variety of climates. If you're planning to start growing Cusick's oxytrope, here are some cultivation tips to get you started.
Watering Needs of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby, being a hardy plant, is drought tolerant and does not need much watering once it is established. However, it is important to keep the soil moist during its early growth stage. Once the plant is fully developed, it only needs occasional watering, especially during prolonged dry spells in the summer months.
Fertilization of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby
The roots of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby can fix nitrogen in the soil. Therefore, the plant does not require a lot of extra fertilization. In fact, over-fertilization can be harmful to the plant's health. If you feel that your soil is lacking in nutrients, you can add a slow-release organic fertilizer that is balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the early stages of plant growth.
Pruning of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby
Cusick's oxytrope, when fully grown, is a beautiful plant that does not require much pruning. However, it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches right away to prevent the spread of disease. If you feel that the plant needs pruning to maintain its shape, do so during the early spring. Cut back any unwanted growth from the previous year to about a third of its length. This will help encourage new growth.
Propagation of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods. The plant is self-fertile and produces viable seed. The following methods can be used for the propagation of this plant:
Seed propagation
The seeds of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby can be directly sown in the garden in the fall or early spring. The seeds should be sown on well-draining soil and kept consistently moist until germination. In general, germination can take several weeks to several months.
If starting seeds indoors, it is recommended that they be stored in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks prior to sowing. This process, known as stratification, helps to break seed dormancy and improves the chances of germination.
Vegetative propagation
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby can also be propagated by cuttings and division. With cuttings, a stem is removed from the parent plant and rooted in soil or water. Cuttings should be taken from new, healthy growth and should be kept moist until roots have formed.
Division can be done by digging up the parent plant and separating the roots into sections. Each section should have several stems and a good amount of roots. The sections can be replanted immediately, making sure to keep the plants well-watered until they are established.
Disease Management
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby is a plant native to grasslands, which makes it more susceptible to certain diseases. Some of the most common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots, causing them to rot and eventually die. To prevent this disease, it is essential to make sure that the plant is not overwatered and that it is growing in well-draining soil. If the disease is already present, it is best to remove the infected parts of the plant and treat it with a fungicide.
- Bacterial blight: This is a bacterial disease that causes the leaves and stems of the plant to turn brown and wilt. To prevent this disease, it is essential to water the plant at the base and avoid overhead watering. If the disease is already present, it is best to remove the infected parts of the plant and treat it with a copper-based fungicide.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots to form on the leaves of the plant. To prevent this disease, it is essential to water the plant at the base and avoid overhead watering. If the disease is already present, it is best to remove the infected parts of the plant and treat it with a fungicide.
It is essential to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of disease and take appropriate action timely to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. cusickii (Greenm.) Barneby is also susceptible to several pests. Some of the most common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to wilt and eventually die. To prevent this pest, it is essential to keep the plant healthy and clean by removing any dead or dying leaves and applying a neem oil solution to the plant weekly.
- Cutworms: These are larvae of several species of moths that feed on the plant's leaves and stems. To prevent this pest, it is essential to remove any weeds or debris from around the plant and use a protective collar around the stem to prevent the larvae from accessing the plant. If the pest is already present, it is best to treat the plant with a biological insecticide.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. To prevent this pest, it is essential to keep the plant healthy and clean by removing any dead or dying leaves and applying a neem oil solution to the plant weekly.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of pest infestation and take appropriate action timely to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants and causing significant damage.
