Overview of Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely
Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely belongs to the Fabaceae family and is a small, herbaceous plant that is native to North America.
Common names
It is commonly known by several names, such as Bessey's locoweed, Bessey's oxytrope, or Bessey's woollybean.
General appearance
The plant has small, yellow flowers that bloom in early summer, and its leaves are compound and have a grayish-green color. The plant's height ranges from 5 to 20 cm, and it grows in dense mats.
Uses
Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely is an important plant in the ecology of shortgrass prairies and alpine habitats. It is a commonly used browse for cattle, sheep, and goats, but it has toxic alkaloids, which can lead to severe poisoning, especially if overgrazed. It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments due to the presence of bioactive compounds in the plant.
Light Requirements
The Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi requires moderate to full sunlight to grow. As a subspecies of the Oxytropis nana Nutt., it is highly adapted to thrive in areas with direct exposure to sunlight. Full sun promotes better flowering and vigorous growth in the plant. However, during hot summer months, it is recommended to protect the plant from direct afternoon sunlight to avoid scorching and drying out.
Temperature Requirements
The Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi is native to North America and is adapted to grow in cold climate conditions. The plant can survive in a variety of temperature ranges, including cool to cold. In colder regions and high altitudes, the plant can withstand winter temperatures of up to -40 degrees Celsius. The plant can also tolerate hot summer temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius. However, dry and hot wind can damage the plant's foliage and reduce its overall health.
Soil Requirements
The Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi grows best in a well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Optimal soil texture for the plant is sandy loam or loamy soil. The plant prefers soils that are rich in organic matter, which helps in retaining moisture and nutrients. However, the plant is drought-resistant and can survive in dry soil conditions. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that grows well in full sunlight and well-draining soil. It is relatively easy to cultivate, but pays to pick the optimal planting area and add a bit of compost or manure to the soil before planting.
Due to its hardiness, the plant is ideal for rock gardens and for borders along sidewalks or driveways. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground during late spring or early summer, but can also be started indoors in small containers.
Watering needs
Although Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely is a drought-tolerant plant that can go for lengthy periods without water, it is vital to properly hydrate the plant to ensure optimal growth and health. Water the plant generously once a week during its growing season to prevent drought stress and to optimize foliage development.
Be cautious not to overwater, though, as this can cause rotting and root damage. Note that the plant demands less water during the winter season, and the soil should be kept fairly dry until the next growing season.
Fertilization
Regularly fertilizing Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely can go a long way in promoting vigorous growth and consistent flowering. It is suggested to use a balanced fertilizer to keep the pH level stable and to provide ample nutrients to the plant.
The plant should be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer once a year during the first few years after planting. Mature plants can be fertilized twice a year, once in the spring as new growth emerges and once in the fall to aid in winter hardiness and vigor.
Pruning
Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely requires minimal pruning, but it is recommended to deadhead the plant to promote flowering throughout the growing season. Pinching back the plant's foliage during its early development can encourage branching and improve overall appearance.
Remove any diseased, damaged, or dead growth promptly to avoid the spread of disease and pests. Trim back any growth that becomes lanky or leggy to promote compact, bushy growth.
Propagation of Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely
Propagation of Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely can be successfully achieved through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely. It involves collecting mature seeds from existing plants and planting them in an appropriate seed bed. The best time to collect seeds is during the fall season when the seed pods are fully mature and dry.
The seeds should be cleaned and stratified for two to three months in a cool environment before planting. Afterward, they can be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination. The best temperature for seed germination is between 50°F to 70°F.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely can be achieved through methods such as division, layering, and cuttings.
Division involves separating existing plant clumps into smaller sections and planting them in another location. Layering involves bending a low branch of the plant towards the soil and covering it with soil while still attached to the mother plant. The branch will root and can be transplanted once established. Cuttings involve taking stem cuttings during the summer months and rooting them in a moist sand/peat mixture.
Regardless of the method used, it is important to ensure that the propagated plants are placed in well-draining soil, in a location with appropriate sunlight and water availability.
Disease Management
Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease appears as dark, water-soaked spots on the leaves and can cause premature leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and provide adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation. Applying fungicides can also be effective.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi and can cause wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage this disease, ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering the plant. Implementing a fungicide treatment can also help control root rot.
- Powdery mildew: This disease appears as a white powdery film on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage this disease, maintain proper plant spacing to improve air circulation, remove infected leaves, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
The Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely can also be affected by several pests, such as:
- Aphids: These insects feed on the plant sap and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage them, utilize natural predators such as ladybugs or apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap, causing discoloration and bronzing of the plant's leaves. To manage these pests, maintain high humidity, and utilize natural predators such as predatory mites.
- Thrips: These yellow or black pests feed on the plant's leaves and can cause wrinkling or deformation of the leaves. To manage them, utilize natural predators such as lacewings or apply insecticidal soap.
Regular observation of the plant, proper care, and maintenance practices is crucial in preventing and managing diseases and pests that might affect the Oxytropis nana Nutt. var. besseyi (Rydb.) Isely.
