Overview
Oxytropis leucantha (Pallas) Pers. var. gaspensis (Fern. & Kelsey) Boivin, also known as the white-haired locoweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to North America, specifically the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.Common Names
The plant is commonly known as white-haired locoweed, Gaspé oxytrope, and oxytrope de Gaspé in French.Appearance
Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis is a perennial herb that grows up to 15-30 cm tall. Its stems are slender and covered with silky hairs, and it has a deep taproot. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-9 leaflets that are narrowly oblong in shape. The plant produces white or pale lavender flowers that are borne on stalks that arise from the leaf axils. The flowers are pea-like, with a standard, two wings, and a keel.Uses
Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis has been traditionally used in herbal medicine by indigenous communities in North America. The plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause both acute and chronic poisoning in livestock, but it has been used in small doses to treat various ailments by indigenous healers. Some of the ailments for which it has been used include fever, coughs, colds, and sore throats. However, due to its potential toxicity, the use of this plant for medicinal purposes is not recommended.Light Requirements
Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight to grow properly. If the plant receives insufficient sunlight, it may grow weak and spindly.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers cool temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°C. It grows best in areas where the average temperature is between 10°C and 20°C. However, it cannot tolerate extreme heat and may die if exposed to temperatures above 25°C.
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soil. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It does not like heavy or clay soil since it can cause the plant to develop root rot. The plant also prefers soil that is low in nutrients and may not grow well in heavily fertilized soil.
Cultivation Methods
Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis requires well-drained soil and full sunlight to grow properly. The plant is best grown in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. It can tolerate some light shade, but it will not grow well if the area is too shady. Soil pH should range from neutral to slightly acidic for optimal growth.
Plant seeds in the early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, in prepared soil that has been loosened to a depth of at least 10 inches. Keep soil moist until seedlings emerge, which usually takes about 7-14 days. Transplant seedlings to their permanent location when they are about 3 inches tall.
Watering Needs
For the first six months, water Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis regularly, providing at least one inch of water per week. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months, when the plant is dormant. After the first year of growth, reduce watering to once a week, as the plant becomes more established.
Fertilization
Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis appreciates fertilization during the growing season. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every three weeks in the early spring and summer months. Alternatively, use organic compost to provide nutrients to the soil. Do not fertilize during the winter months or during dormancy.
Pruning
Prune Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis in early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. Shape the plant at this time as necessary, but avoid cutting it back severely. If you need to contain the size or growth of the plant, you can prune it back more aggressively, but this should be done as seldom as possible to avoid putting stress on the plant.
Propagation of Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis
Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis is a beautiful plant with white flowers that is native to North America. The plant can be propagated by seeds or by vegetative propagation methods, such as stem cuttings or division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is an easy and effective method for Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis. The plants produce a large number of seeds, which can be collected in the fall. The seeds should be sown in the spring in a well-draining seed-starting mix. The seedlings should be kept moist and receive plenty of light. After they have developed several true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation methods are preferred for Oxytropis leucantha var. gaspensis when the goal is to create an exact clone of the parent plant. Stem cuttings can be taken in the early summer, and should be around 3-4 inches long. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining rooting medium and kept in a warm, humid environment. After several weeks, roots should begin to develop, and the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
Division is another vegetative propagation method that can be used for older plants with multiple stems. In the spring, the plant can be dug up and divided into smaller sections, each with its own stem and roots. The new sections should be planted in a well-draining soil and kept moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Oxytropis leucantha (Pallas) Pers. var. gaspensis (Fern. & Kelsey) Boivin can be affected by various diseases that can hinder its growth and production. Below are some common diseases affecting the plant:
- Anthrax: This disease causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and die. The disease can be managed using fungicides such as copper fungicides.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by a fungus and causes the roots to rot, thereby hindering the uptake of nutrients and water by the plant. The disease can be managed by planting the crop in well-drained soils, avoiding overwatering, and using fungicides.
- Fusarium wilt: This is a soil-borne disease that attacks the root system of the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and the plant to die. The disease can be managed by planting disease-resistant varieties, crop rotation, and soil fumigation.
Pest Management
Oxytropis leucantha (Pallas) Pers. var. gaspensis (Fern. & Kelsey) Boivin is also prone to pest infestations that can cause significant damage. Below are some common pests affecting the plant and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids cause the leaves of the plant to curl, wilt, and turn yellow. The pests can be managed by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or by introducing natural predators of aphids such as ladybugs.
- Spider mites: Spider mites cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and to drop prematurely. The pests can be managed by using miticides, regularly spraying the affected plants with water, or by introducing natural predators of spider mites such as predatory mites and lacewings.
- Cutworms: Cutworms feed on the stems of the plant at the soil level, causing the plant to fall over. The pests can be managed by burying collars made of cardboard or plastic around the base of the plant to protect it or by using insecticides.
It is important to monitor the crop regularly and take appropriate measures when signs of disease or pest infestations are observed to prevent significant damage.
