Origin
Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii (Gray) W.A. Weber is a perennial plant that is native to the western half of North America. It can be found growing in various habitats such as rocky slopes, dry plains, and open meadows.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Bigelow's locoweed, Bigelow's oxytrope, and Lambert crazyweed. These common names are derived from the shape of the plant's leaves, which resemble a goat's foot (Locoweed), and the name of its discoverer, John Milton Bigelow (Bigelow's).
Uses
The plant contains a toxic compound called swainsonine, which can be harmful to livestock if consumed in large quantities. However, it has been used in traditional Native American medicine for its diuretic and laxative properties. Some tribes also used it as an emetic and for the treatment of kidney and bladder problems.
General Appearance
Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii is a low-growing perennial that reaches a height of 10-30 cm. The plant has hairy stems and leaves that are made up of three leaflets, giving it a trifoliate appearance. The flowers are small and pea-like, ranging in color from pink to lavender. The fruit is a hairy pod that contains several seeds. Overall, the plant has a distinctive appearance and can easily be identified by its unique leaf shape and flower color.
Light Requirements
Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii (Gray) W.A. Weber prefers full sunlight exposure. It can tolerate partial shade, but a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day is necessary for healthy growth and optimal flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is adapted to different temperature ranges. It can grow in a broad range of temperatures, from hot deserts to cold mountains. However, the ideal growth temperature for Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii (Gray) W.A. Weber is between 50-75°F (10-24°C). Temperatures above 90°F (32°C) are detrimental to the plant's growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii (Gray) W.A. Weber prefers well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. It can also grow in sandy soils with low fertility. The soil should be dry, and the plant is drought tolerant. The waterlogging of the soil can lead to root rot and cause the death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii (Gray) W.A. Weber
Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii (Gray) W.A. Weber, commonly referred to as Bigelow's Oxytrope or Bigelow's Locoweed, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to North America. It grows best in areas with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds or clump division. Seeds can be collected from the pods that are formed after the plant has flowered. The best time to collect seeds is in the fall when the seeds have matured. Clump division can be done in late summer or early fall when the plant is dormant.
Watering Needs for Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii (Gray) W.A. Weber
Bigelow's Oxytrope is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering once it is established. However, during the first year of cultivation, it is important to keep the soil moist to help the plant establish its roots. Afterward, the plant should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization for Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii (Gray) W.A. Weber
This plant requires minimal fertilizer. When planting, it can benefit from the addition of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil. During the growing season, a light application of balanced fertilizer can be applied once every two to three weeks. It is important not to over-fertilize as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage and fewer flowers.
Pruning for Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii (Gray) W.A. Weber
Pruning is not necessary for this plant. However, removing spent flowers can help promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. It can also help prevent the plant from self-seeding and spreading too aggressively.
Propagation of Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii
Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii (Gray) W.A. Weber, commonly known as Bigelow's locoweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to western North America and is commonly found in grasslands, sagebrush, and forested areas. The plant has a taproot and a branching stem that can reach a height of 30-70 cm.
Propagation of Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii can be done by several methods including seed propagation, division, and transplanting.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii is seed propagation. Seeds can be collected in the fall when the pods have turned brown and are dry. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until spring when they can be sowed directly into the soil or started indoors. The seeds should be sowed in well-draining soil at a depth of 1/4 inch and kept moist until germination. The optimum temperature for germination is between 59-68°F.
Division
Another method of propagation is through division. This is a process of separating the plant into smaller pieces, which can then be planted to produce new plants. To divide Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii, the plant should be dug up in the spring or fall when it is dormant. The roots should be carefully separated into smaller sections and planted into well-draining soil. These newly planted sections should be kept moist until they establish themselves.
Transplanting
Transplanting is also an option for propagating Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii. This process involves digging up the entire plant, including the root ball, and replanting it in a new location. It is best to do this in the fall when the plant is dormant. The new location should have well-draining soil and should be watered regularly until the plant becomes established.
Overall, propagation of Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii can be easily achieved through seed propagation, division, and transplanting. It is important to remember that the plant prefers well-draining soil and adequate moisture, and new plants should be kept moist until they become established.
Disease Management
One common disease that affects Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance on leaves and stems, eventually causing them to yellow and drop off the plant. To manage powdery mildew, growers can apply a fungicide specifically for powdery mildew, prune infected plant parts, and ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
Anthrachnose is another fungal disease that can affect Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii. Symptoms of this disease include brown or black spots on leaves, stem cankers, and rotting fruit. To manage anthracnose, growers should remove infected plant parts, apply fungicides, and practice proper sanitation techniques to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Aphids are a common pest that can affect Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii. These small insects feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to curl and distort. To manage an aphid infestation, growers can use insecticidal soaps, remove infected plant parts, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
Spider mites can also be a problem for Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii. These tiny pests cause leaves to become speckled with yellow or white spots, eventually leading to leaf drop. To manage spider mites, growers can use insecticidal soaps or oils and ensure proper humidity levels around the plant.
Another pest that can affect Oxytropis lambertii Pursh ssp. bigelovii is the cutworm. These caterpillars cut through the plant's stem near the soil level, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, growers can use natural insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis or create physical barriers around the plant to prevent access by cutworms.
