Overview
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as "Silky Oxytrope," "Silky Crazyweed," or "Silky Prairie Clover". This plant is native to North America and can be found in the western United States, including Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.
Appearance
Silky Oxytrope can grow up to 20-50 cm tall and has a spreading habit. It has silvery-gray leaves that are hairy and silky to the touch. The plant produces bright purple flowers which are densely packed into a cylinder-shaped spike, making it very distinctive.
Uses
Silky Oxytrope has been traditionally used by Native American tribes as a medicinal plant, particularly for treating lung diseases and headaches. In modern times, it is not commonly used for medicinal purposes, but it is still valued for its ornamental qualities. This plant is popular among gardeners and landscapers as an attractive addition to rock gardens, native plant gardens, and xeriscape gardens. Additionally, the plant is also an important source of forage for wildlife, including deer, elk, and pronghorn.
Light requirements
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody usually grows best in areas where it receives full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade but grows more slowly and produces fewer flowers in shaded areas compared to full sun. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in locations with direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature requirements
This species grows best in areas with cool temperatures. It is most commonly found in subalpine and alpine areas with summer temperatures that rarely exceed 15°C. Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody can also tolerate freezing temperatures during the winter. It is used to cold temperatures and can survive even in locations where the temperature remains below freezing for extended periods of time.
Soil requirements
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy soils to clay soils, but it prefers soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 5.0-6.0. It is also adapted to growing in soils that are low in nutrients, and excessive fertilization can damage the plant. Therefore, it is best to avoid adding too much fertilizer to the soil.
Cultivation methods
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody is a hardy perennial plant that prefers full sun exposure in well-draining, sandy soil. It can also grow in loamy or clay soils, but its roots should not be constantly wet. The plant can grow in USDA zones 3 to 9 and is drought-tolerant.
Watering needs
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody does not require frequent watering. It can tolerate drought conditions well, but the plant should not be left without water for too long. Water the plant deeply once every two weeks or when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
It is not necessary to fertilize Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody. The plant has a unique way of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere, making it self-sufficient in its nutritional needs. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so it's best to avoid giving it any fertilizers.
Pruning
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody does not require pruning. However, if the plant becomes too crowded or overgrown, pruning can help to keep it in shape. Prune the plant in early spring, before new growth starts. Pruning back about one-third of the plant will not harm it and will encourage new growth.
Propagation of Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody, commonly known as silky or spicate locoweed, can be propagated by three methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating silky locoweed is through seeds. Sow seed in the spring once the ground has warmed and it has started to dry out. This plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun. It is advisable to stratify the seeds before sowing, to enhance germination rates. This treatment requires keeping them in a moist medium, at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) for 90 days. After the stratification process, sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, water them, and keep moist until germination occurs.
Vegetative Propagation
Oxytropis sericea can be propagated from root cuttings in the dormant season. Collect roots the size of a pencil, cut them into pieces 2-3 inches long, and plant them one inch deep in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep them moist, in partial shade, until roots start to develop. Transplant the rooted cuttings to their permanent location.
Division Propagation
The division propagation method for silky locoweed is also an option. Divide the plant in the spring or fall when growth has started or stopped. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump in sections of 2-3 inches. Plant each section 1 inch deep in well-draining soil and keep it moist. The new plants will require regular watering until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody, commonly known as silky crazyweed, is a hardy plant that can grow under a wide range of conditions. However, like all plants, it is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can reduce its productivity or even kill it. This article will describe some of the common diseases and pests that affect silky crazyweed and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Oxytropis sericea is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. This disease can stunt the growth of the plant and reduce its overall productivity. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove all infected plant material and maintain good air circulation. Fungicides may also help to control powdery mildew.
Another disease that affects Oxytropis sericea is rust. Rust is a fungal disease that creates orange or yellow spots on the leaves of the plant. This disease can also weaken the plant and reduce its overall productivity. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove all infected plant material and maintain good air circulation. Fungicides can also be used to control rust.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Oxytropis sericea is the root rot fungus. The root rot fungus attacks the roots of the plant and can cause the plant to die. To manage the root rot fungus, it is recommended to improve the drainage of the soil and avoid overwatering the plant. Fungicides may also help to control the root rot fungus.
Another pest that affects Oxytropis sericea is aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the plant, which weakens the plant and reduces its productivity. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, can also be introduced to the garden to control aphids.
Conclusion
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ssp. spicata (Hook.) Cody is a hardy plant, but it is vulnerable to various diseases and pests. To ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive, it is important to manage any diseases or pests that arise. By removing infected plant material, maintaining good air circulation, improving soil drainage, and using appropriate fungicides and insecticides, gardeners can help to protect their silky crazyweed from diseases and pests.
