Overview of Oxytropis involuta
Oxytropis involuta, also known as the woolly locoweed, is a perennial flowering plant that is native to North America. This plant belongs to the Fabaceae family and usually grows in dry, open areas such as grasslands, sagebrush, and rocky slopes. It is commonly found in the western United States, including California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.
Common Names
The woolly locoweed has several common names, including woolly oxytropis, woolly/passo loco, curled-scaled locoweed, and Neville's oxytrope. These names are derived from the plant's woolly and curled foliage and its ability to cause locoism in livestock if ingested.
Appearance and Characteristics
The woolly locoweed is a low-growing plant that can reach a height of 8-16 inches. The leaves of this plant are woolly, gray-green in color, and arranged in a basal rosette. The flowers are pink to purple in color and grow on a spike-like inflorescence that rises above the foliage. The fruit is a small pod that contains several seeds.
One of the unique characteristics of this plant is its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and make it available to other plants in the soil. This makes it an important species for improving soil fertility in areas with low nitrogen levels.
Uses
The woolly locoweed has several traditional uses among Native American communities. The roots of this plant were used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and respiratory issues. The Navajo tribe used the plant to treat eye infections, while the Paiute tribe used it as a poultice for broken bones.
Today, the woolly locoweed is primarily used as a forage plant for livestock. However, due to its toxic effects on livestock and its slow growth rate, it is not a preferred forage species. The plant is also used in restoration efforts to improve soil fertility in degraded areas.
Light Requirements
Oxytropis involuta is a sun-loving plant species that requires plenty of light to thrive. In its natural habitat, it grows best in areas with full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is adapted to grow in a range of temperature conditions. During its growing season from spring to summer, it prefers temperatures between 10-30°C (50-86°F). The plant can tolerate occasional frost for short periods, but long-term exposure to freezing temperatures may harm or kill it.
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis involuta thrives in well-drained soils with low fertility, often found in alpine or subalpine regions. The plant prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.0-7.0) and has a mix of organic matter and mineral particles. It can also tolerate soils that are sandy or rocky. However, the plant does not grow well in heavy clay soils with poor drainage.
Cultivation
Oxytropis involuta is a plant that prefers to grow in well-draining soil that is moderately fertile. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and requires good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Watering needs
Oxytropis involuta requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering to avoid root rot. During the dormant season, the plant requires less watering.
Fertilization
Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and flowering. It is essential to follow the recommended application rate on the fertilizer package to avoid burning the plant's roots. Applying organic mulch around the base of the plant can also help to provide nutrients and improve soil health.
Pruning
Oxytropis involuta doesn't typically require pruning, as it has a natural rounded form. However, deadheading spent blooms can help to promote additional flower production. It is also essential to remove any dead or damaged foliage promptly to avoid fungal diseases.
Propagation of Oxytropis involuta (A. Nels.) K. Schum.
Oxytropis involuta can be propagated by seeds and division of root crowns. However, seed propagation is the most effective and reliable method.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Oxytropis involuta require scarification before planting. This can be achieved by soaking the seeds in hot water for 24 hours or nicking the seed coat with a sharp blade. After scarification, the seeds should be stratified by exposing them to moist cold conditions for at least four weeks. This can be done by planting the seeds in a container filled with moist sand or vermiculite and placing it in a refrigerator or cold frame.
Once the stratification period is over, the seeds can be sowed in a well-draining potting soil mix. It is recommended to sow them in individual pots to prevent seedlings from getting entangled. The seeds should be planted shallowly, at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch.
After planting, the pot should be placed in a well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination should occur within 14 to 21 days.
Division of Root Crowns
Division of root crowns is also a viable propagation method for Oxytropis involuta, but it is less reliable than seed propagation. The best time to divide the plant is in early spring, just as new growth appears. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the roots gently separated into individual pieces. Each piece should have at least one healthy shoot and a portion of the root system. The divided plants can be planted in a well-draining potting soil mix, and kept moist until new growth appears.
Propagation by seed is the most preferred method for Oxytropis involuta, as it ensures the preservation of genetic diversity within the species.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxytropis involuta
Oxytropis involuta, commonly known as Alpine involute, is a native plant of the western United States. This plant species is a perennial herb that grows up to 15 cm in height. Like many plant species, Oxytropis involuta is also prone to a variety of diseases and pest infestations. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases affecting Oxytropis involuta
1. Root Rot: Root rot is a soil-borne disease affecting the roots of plants. This disease is caused by pathogens like fungi, which attack and damage the roots. When Oxytropis involuta is infected, the leaves turn yellow, and the plant may wilt or die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, plant the species in well-draining soil, and apply fungicides to control fungal growth.
2. Leaf Spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungal pathogens like Alternaria, which cause circular or irregular spots on the leaves. Oxytropis involuta develops brown or black patches on its leaves when infected. Prune infected leaves and apply fungicides to manage the disease.
Common pests affecting Oxytropis involuta
1. Aphids: Aphids are soft-bodied insects that suck sap from plants. These pests can cause significant damage, particularly to young and tender shoots of Oxytropis involuta. Infested plants develop yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and distorted leaves. To control aphids, remove infested plants and apply insecticides.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that cause yellowing of leaves and webbing around the plant. These pests are difficult to detect, and early infestation goes unnoticed. To manage spider mites, wash the leaves with water, prune away infested leaves and apply acaricides to reduce their population.
3. Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are common pests that feed on the foliage of Oxytropis involuta, leading to stunted growth and injury to the plant's leaves and stem. To control grasshoppers, use insecticidal soaps, sticky materials or predatory insects like lacewings, lady beetles, and praying mantids.
In conclusion, Oxytropis involuta is susceptible to various diseases and pests; however, with good management practices and early detection, these problems can be minimized. Regular inspection, removal of infested plants, pruning, and application of appropriate pesticides should be part of the disease and pest management strategy.
