Overview
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. The plant is commonly found in the western United States and Canada, where it grows in a variety of habitats such as dry rocky slopes, prairies, and grasslands.
Common Names
The common names for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby include slender oxytrope, field locoweed, and fieldpoint locoweed.
Appearance
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby is a perennial plant that grows up to 40 centimeters tall. The plant has a slender stem, which is often hairy and may be reddish or purplish. The leaves of the plant are compound, with 6-10 pairs of leaflets, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The leaflets are oval to oblong in shape and have a slightly toothed margin. The flowers of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby are butterfly-shaped and are light pink to purple in color. The fruit of the plant is a cylindrical pod that contains several seeds.
Uses
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes due to its poisonous nature. The plant contains alkaloids that can cause neurological damage to animals that consume it. However, the plant is used in ecological restoration projects, as it is an important component of a healthy prairie and grassland ecosystem. The deep roots of the plant help regulate soil moisture, and its flowers provide nectar for pollinators.
Growth Conditions for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby
Light: This plant requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers open habitats with little to no shade.
Temperature: Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives in regions with cool summers and cold winters. It does not grow well in environments with high temperatures and low humidity. On average, the plant can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. It can also grow in rocky and gravelly soils. The soil should be alkaline, with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate dry soils but does not do well in wet soils.
Water: Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby is drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of low water availability. However, it still requires regular watering for optimal growth. The plant should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilizer: The plant does not require heavy fertilization. Excessive fertilization can lead to weak stems and poor growth.
Propagation: Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby can be propagated by seeds or by division. Seedlings should be sown in the spring or fall, and division can be done in the early spring or fall.
Cultivation Methods for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby, also known as slim milkvetch or prairie locoweed, is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in dry conditions. It typically grows up to 20 inches tall and has beautiful purple flowers. Here are some tips for cultivating this plant:
- Choose a well-drained location with plenty of sunlight.
- Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and rocks. Mix in organic compost or slow-release fertilizer if needed.
- Sow the seeds in the fall or early spring, and cover them with a light layer of soil.
- Water the seeds gently and keep the soil moist until germination, which should occur within two to three weeks.
- Thin out the seedlings to ensure that each plant has enough space to grow.
- Fertilize the plants sparingly, if needed, with a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Watering Needs for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby is adapted to dry conditions and does not require much watering once established. However, young plants need to be watered regularly until they are well established.
Water the plants deeply once a week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
Fertilization for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby
Although Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby does not require much fertilizer, you can apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer once a year in early spring if needed. Using too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too quickly and become leggy, so use sparingly.
Alternatively, you can use organic compost or slow-release fertilizer to improve the soil quality and provide nutrients to the plant.
Pruning for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby does not require much pruning, but occasionally removing dead or damaged stems can help the plant maintain a healthy appearance.
Prune the plant in early spring or late fall, using clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Avoid removing too much foliage, as this can stunt the plant's growth and reduce its vigor.
Propagation of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. gracilis (A. Nels.) Barneby, commonly known as prairie oxytrope, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to North America and is commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and open woods. Propagating this plant is relatively easy, and it can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis is through seeds. Seeds are readily available and can be collected from mature plants. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil in a sunny location. A seed depth of approximately 1/8 inch is recommended. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Division
Another way to propagate Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis is through division. This method involves dividing the established plant into smaller sections. Division should be done in early spring or late fall. The plant should be lifted carefully to avoid damaging the roots, and then divided into sections using a sharp, clean knife. Each section should have roots and shoots. The sections can then be planted in well-draining soil in a sunny location and kept moist until they become established.
Cuttings
Propagating Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis through cuttings is also possible but less common. This method involves taking stem cuttings from mature plants in the summer and rooting them in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long, and the leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a sunny location until they root, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
Overall, Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis is an easy plant to propagate through various methods, including seed propagation, division, and cuttings.
Common Diseases of Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis and Their Management
Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis, commonly known as Field Oxytropis, is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, it can still suffer from certain fungal and viral infections under certain conditions. Here are some of the most common diseases and ways to manage them:
1. Rust (Uromyces striatus)
Rust is a common fungal disease that can affect Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis. It causes yellow to orange powdery spots on leaves and stem. Rust can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases. To control rust, remove the infected leaves and stems immediately and destroy them. Apply a fungicide to the remaining plant to prevent further spread of the disease.
2. Wilt (Verticillium sp.)
Wilt is a fungal disease that occurs when the soil is too wet and poorly drained. It causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. To prevent wilt, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed. Soil solarization can also help to control wilt.
3. Yellowing (Potato virus Y)
Yellowing is a viral disease that can affect Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis. It causes yellowing of leaves and stunting of the plant. The disease is transmitted by aphids. To prevent yellowing, control aphids by avoiding the use of pesticides that kill their natural predators such as ladybugs. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the virus.
Common Pests of Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis and Their Management
While Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis is generally resistant to pests, some insects can still damage the plant. Here are some of the most common pests and ways to manage them:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and yellow. They also excrete a sugary substance that can attract other pests such as ants. To control aphids, wash them off the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
2. Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers can cause severe damage to the plant by eating the leaves and stem. They can also transmit diseases. To control grasshoppers, remove any tall grass or weeds around the plant that can provide habitat, and use row covers to protect the plant. Insecticides can also help to control grasshoppers, but should be used sparingly as they can harm beneficial insects.
3. Cutworms
Cutworms are the larvae of some moth species. They cut off the stems of the plant at the soil level, causing the plant to wilt and die. To control cutworms, use collars made of cardboard or aluminum foil around the base of the plant to prevent them from crawling up and eating the stem. Insecticides can also be used to control cutworms, but should be used sparingly.
