Overview
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata (Hook.) Barneby is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as Spicate locoweed or Silky locoweed. This plant is native to the western region of North America and is found primarily in the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Range.
Appearance
The spicate locoweed has a stout stem that grows up to 60 cm tall, with a few light green leaves that are pinnately compound. The leaves are covered with silky hairs and are arranged alternately on the stem. The plant produces beautiful spicate inflorescences of white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The seed pods are typically two to three inches long and bear dark seeds.
Uses
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata (Hook.) Barneby has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. Various Native American tribes have used different parts of the plant to treat a broad range of ailments, including snake bites, respiratory issues, fever, and pain. However, the plant is toxic to livestock and humans and can cause severe neurological problems, leading to hallucination and death. Because of its toxicity, there are no known modern uses for Spicate locoweed. It is for this reason that the plant needs to be avoided and handled with caution.
Cultivation
Spicate locoweed is not a common plant grown in gardens or commercial nurseries, primarily because of its toxicity and lack of modern use. However, it can be found in the wild and can be spotted in meadows, open foothills, and rocky slopes throughout its range. It prefers well-drained soils with full sun exposure but can also grow in partially shaded areas.
Light Requirements
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata is a plant that requires full sun, meaning it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Too much shade can limit its growth and flowering potential.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, but generally prefers cooler temperatures. In its natural habitat, it grows at high altitudes and is exposed to cold temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C) but prefers temperatures between 60°F (15.5°C) to 75°F (24°C).
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata prefers well-draining, sandy soils that are slightly acidic. It can also grow in loam and clay soils with good drainage. A pH range of 6 to 7 is ideal for this plant. It is important to note that this plant is adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, so the soil should not be too rich in organic matter or too moist.
Cultivation methods
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata (Hook.) Barneby is a hardy perennial plant that thrives well in hardiness zones 5 through 8. It grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun exposure, but it can tolerate some shade as well. Ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Propagation is done through seeds or by dividing root clumps. To plant seeds, sow them in the fall or early spring, about 1/4 inch deep and 6 inches apart. To divide root clumps, do it in late summer or early fall.
Watering needs
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata (Hook.) Barneby requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, about once or twice a week during the growing season. Reduce watering during winter dormancy, watering only when the soil is dry.
Fertilization
Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. Apply the fertilizer at the rate recommended on the product label, based on the area's square footage. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to weak growth and disease susceptibility.
Pruning
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems and leaves. Cut back the stems to the ground level if they appear weak or leggy. Pruning promotes bushier growth and improves plant shape.
Propagation of Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata (Hook.) Barneby
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata (Hook.) Barneby, commonly known as silky crazyweed or hooker's crazyweed, is a flowering plant native to North America. It is a hardy perennial subshrub that grows up to 20 inches tall, with silvery-green leaves and purple or pink flowers that bloom in early summer.
Propagation Methods
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata can be propagated through two main methods: by seed and by division.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds of Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata can be planted in early spring or fall. The best method is to scarify the seeds or soak them for 24-48 hours prior to planting. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds between two sheets of sandpaper or by nicking them. This will help break the seed coat and promote germination.
Once the seeds are ready, they can be planted in well-draining soil. It is best to plant them about 1/4 inch into the soil and then cover them with light soil or sand. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place them in a sunny location. Seedlings will emerge in 10-20 days.
Propagation by Division
The best time to divide Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata is in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, and using a sharp knife or shears, divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a healthy root system.
Transplant the divided sections into well-draining soil, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water the plant immediately and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
In summary, Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata can be propagated by seed or division. Propagation by seed requires scarification or soaking prior to planting, while propagation by division should be done in early spring or late fall.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata (Hook.) Barneby
Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata (Hook.) Barneby, commonly known as the Spicate Locoweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to western North America. This plant is known to be resistant to many herbicides, mainly because it has a thick and waxy cuticle that prevents the entry of chemicals, making it a challenge to control weeds. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Spicate Locoweed and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Spicate Locoweed is not highly susceptible to diseases. Here are the common diseases that might affect this plant:
Rust
Rust is one disease that can affect Spicate Locoweed. It is a fungal disease that manifests as rusty brown lesions on the leaves. The spores of this fungus spread easily in wet and humid conditions. The best way to control rust is to remove any infected leaves and destroy them. You should also avoid overhead watering of the plants and instead, water them at the base to prevent the spread of spores.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is another disease that might affect Spicate Locoweed. It is a bacterial disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and death of leaves and stems. The best way to control this disease is to remove any infected parts of the plant and destroy them. You can also apply copper-based fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that can affect Spicate Locoweed. It occurs when the roots of the plant are infected by fungi that cause them to rot and die. This disease is favored by wet soils and poor drainage. Once the disease has infected the plant, it is challenging to control it. You can prevent root rot by planting the plant in well-drained soils and avoiding overwatering.
Pests
Spicate Locoweed is not highly attractive to pests. However, here are some common ones that might affect the plant:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are known to infest clovers and alfalfa, which are close relatives of Spicate Locoweed. Aphids can cause yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. You can control aphids by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or by applying insecticidal soaps.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and wilting of plants. They also spin webs that can reduce the plant's photosynthetic activity. You can control spider mites by spraying the plant with water to wash them off or applying insecticidal soaps.
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small insects that suck the sap of plants, causing yellowing and reduced growth. They can also transmit viral diseases to plants. You can control leafhoppers by introducing natural predators or by using insecticides.
By implementing the above management practices, you can prevent and control diseases and pests on your Oxytropis sericea Nutt. var. spicata (Hook.) Barneby plant effectively.
