Overview
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh, also known as roald's locoweed, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is primarily found in North America, predominantly in the western regions of the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh has several common names, including Roald's locoweed, locoweed, and purple oxytrope.
Appearance
This plant grows up to 40 cm in height, with a dense and hairy stem. The leaves of this plant are alternate and pinnately compound, with 11 to 25 leaflets that are green in color and oval in shape. The flowers are dark purple to lilac in color, and they form in clusters or spikes at the top of the stem. The fruit of this plant is a hairy, oblong pod that contains several seeds.
Uses
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh has several traditional medicinal uses. Native American tribes have used the plant to treat respiratory ailments, as it is known to have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system and the respiratory system. However, this plant should be used with caution as it contains toxic compounds known as swainsonine, which can be harmful to livestock that consume it.
Growth Conditions for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh is a perennial plant that is native to alpine regions in North America. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is commonly known as Roald’s milkvetch. The plant has a distinct growth habit and requires specific environmental conditions to grow and thrive. The following paragraphs outline the typical growth conditions for this plant.
Light Requirements
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh prefers full sunlight, which helps the plant to grow and flower. It can tolerate some shade but it will not thrive if grown in full shade. The plant prefers to be grown in an open, sunny area with minimal competition from other nearby plants.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well adapted to alpine environments and has a high tolerance for low temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as -35°C. However, the plant prefers a cool and moist climate with an average temperature of 5-10°C. During the growing season, the temperature should be kept below 25°C to prevent damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh grows best in well-draining, sandy soils that are slightly acidic and have a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be nutrient-rich and have a good level of organic matter. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils and requires good drainage to prevent root rot.
Cultivation of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh can be easily cultivated, as it is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of climates and soil types. It can grow both in full sun and partial shade, and it does not have any specific soil requirements.
However, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth. It is also recommended to add organic matter to the soil before planting to improve its texture and nutrient content.
Watering Needs
As a drought-tolerant plant, Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh does not require frequent watering. In fact, overwatering can be harmful to the plant and cause root rot.
It is best to water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. When rainfall is adequate, there is no need to supplement with additional watering.
Fertilization
The plant does not require heavy fertilization. However, adding a well-balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and blooming.
It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the package instructions for application rates.
Pruning
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh does not require pruning, but deadheading after flowering can encourage further blooming.
Remove spent flower heads to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. This energy can be better used for vegetative growth and more blooms later in the season.
Propagation methods for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh, commonly known as Roald's oxytrope, is a legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Like other legumes, it has the ability to fix nitrogen and improve soil fertility. This makes it a valuable plant in areas with poor soil quality. Propagation of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh is fairly easy, and can be achieved through a number of methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation via seeds is the most common and easiest method of propagation for Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh. The seeds need to be sown during the fall, so that they can stratify over the winter and germinate in the spring. The site where the seeds will be planted should be tilled and raked to create a flat surface. The soil should be fertile and well-drained, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch and 3-4 inches apart, then covered lightly with soil. The bed should be watered lightly and kept moist until germination occurs, which should take place within two to three weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation via cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh. The procedure involves taking cuttings from a parent plant during the growing season, and then rooting those cuttings in soil or water. Cuttings can be taken from new growth or stem tips and should be around 4-6 inches long. The cutting should be planted in moist soil or water in an area with bright, indirect light. It should be kept damp and away from direct sunlight. After about two weeks, new shoots will appear, indicating that rooting has successfully occurred.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a method of propagation used on mature clumps of Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh. In the fall, the clumps should be dug up, and the root system should be carefully separated into smaller, manageable sections. Each division should have a section of rhizome and at least one new shoot. The divisions should be replanted in well-drained fertile soil where they will receive partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not saturated until the new growths appear, which should signal the establishment of the divisions.
Disease Management
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh, commonly known as Roald's oxytrope, is susceptible to several diseases. Some common diseases that affect the plant are:
- Root rot: caused by pathogens such as Fusarium, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia, can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant.
- Crown rot: caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, attacks the base of the plant, rotting the crown and killing the plant.
- Leaf spot: caused by a fungus, Cercospora oxytropea, results in yellow to brown spots on the leaves and can cause defoliation if severe.
To manage diseases that affect Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh, several practices can be employed:
- Plant resistant varieties: selecting disease-resistant cultivars can help reduce the incidence of diseases.
- Practice good sanitation: remove all infected plant debris, sanitize all equipment before use, and avoid overhead irrigation which can spread pathogens.
- Maintain proper soil and plant health: proper watering, fertilization, and pest management can reduce plant stress and make them less susceptible to diseases.
- Apply fungicides: when necessary, apply fungicides to prevent and control diseases.
Pest Management
Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh is not known to be severely affected by pests. However, some pests that may attack the plant include:
- Aphids: small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant and can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves.
- Thrips: tiny, slender insects that feed on the plant's sap and can cause scarring and distortion of the leaves and flowers.
- Cutworms: the larvae of various moth species, cutworms feed on the plant's stem at or below the soil surface, causing wilting and death of the plant.
To manage pests that may attack Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. roaldii (Ostenf.) Welsh, several practices can be employed:
- Practice good sanitation: remove all plant debris and avoid using infected soil.
- Plant resistant varieties: choosing resistant cultivars can help reduce pest incidence.
- Apply insecticides: when necessary, apply insecticides to prevent and control pest infestations.
- Use natural enemies: encourage natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings which feed on pests like aphids and thrips.
