Overview
Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the pea family known as Fabaceae. It is also commonly known as sticky locoweed, sticky woollyweed, and sticky oxytrope. This plant is native to North America and can be found in several western states such as Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.
Appearance
Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta usually grows up to 20-30 cm tall and has a dense cushion-like form with a woody, branched root system. The foliage of this plant is evergreen, small, and compact, with leaves ranging from 10-15 mm long and 5 mm wide. The leaves are coated with fine white hairs and have glandular hairs that give the plant its sticky texture. The flowers of this plant are small, typically ranging from 5-10 mm in length and are purple in color.
Uses
Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant by indigenous people. The plant contains alkaloids that are toxic when consumed in large quantities, but in small doses, it can be used to treat various ailments such as rheumatism, swelling, and bruises. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and habitat restoration.
However, it’s important to note that this plant should not be consumed in large quantities by humans or livestock, as it can cause serious health issues such as convulsions, paralysis, and even death.
In conclusion, Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta is a unique and valuable plant that plays an important role in the ecosystem. Its distinctive appearance, medicinal properties, and uses make it a plant worth studying and appreciating.
Light Requirements
The plant Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby prefers full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not grow well in complete shade. Full sun exposure is ideal for the plant's growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to a wide range of temperature conditions. It can tolerate both extreme heat and cold temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby is between 40 and 80°F (4.4 and 26.7°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F (-28.9°C).
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. The plant does well in loamy soils with moderate fertility. It can also tolerate alkaline soils and can grow in sandy or rocky soils with good drainage.
The plant has a moderate tolerance for salinity and can grow in soils with moderate levels of salt. It does best in soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0, but can tolerate slightly acidic conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby is a low-growing, herbaceous species that belongs to the legume family. It thrives well in dry, open areas and rocky slopes, and it is quite adaptable to a range of soils, preferring well-drained, sandy gravelly soils. When planting, it is recommended that you plant it in a spot that is well-drained and receives plenty of sunlight.
The best time to plant Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby is in the early spring. If you are transplanting, dig up the plant and its root ball and replant it immediately to avoid damage to the roots. Plant the root ball firmly in the ground, water well, and add a layer of mulch around the plant to help keep weeds at bay.
Watering Needs
Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby is quite drought-tolerant, and does not require frequent watering. However, during periods of extended drought, it is essential to provide the plant with a deep watering. Ensure that the soil is moist to a depth of about 6 inches. Overwatering may cause the root system to rot, so take care not to water excessively.
It is recommended that you let the soil dry out before watering it again, as the plant does well with dry conditions. Additionally, avoid watering at night to prevent the plant from being susceptible to fungal diseases and rot. Early morning watering is preferable because it gives the plant a chance to dry throughout the day.
Fertilization
Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby may require minimal fertilization. Any added nutrients should be done sparingly, as the plant is adapted to thrive in nutrient-poor conditions. For best results, apply organic compost around the plant's base in the early spring before new growth appears.
If the plant appears malnourished or shows signs of nutrient deficiency, add a small amount of slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer in the soil around the plant. Avoid applying fertilizer during periods of drought or during the plant's dormant stage.
Pruning
Pruning of Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby may not be necessary, as it has a slow growth rate and is relatively low-maintenance. However, if you want to maintain a neat appearance, you can prune its dead or damaged stems and leaves to promote healthy growth.
It is recommended that you prune during the plant's dormant stage, which is typically in the early spring before new growth appears. Additionally, you can pinch back the growing tips of the plant to encourage branching and a bushier appearance. Avoid pruning too much, as it may cause stunting in growth or damage to the plant.
Propagation of Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby
Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta (Hook.) Barneby, commonly known as Sticky oxytrope, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the pea family. It is native to western North America, including the states of California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana. The plant is well-known for its medicinal properties, and it is used by herbalists to treat various ailments, such as respiratory problems, digestive issues, and pain relief.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in the late fall or early spring in a well-draining soil mix. It is essential to provide the seeds with a cold, moist period of about four weeks to simulate natural germination conditions. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator or by sowing the seeds outdoors in the fall. Once germination has occurred, the seedlings should be transplanted to their final growing location in well-draining soil, preferably in full sunlight.
Division Propagation
An alternative method of propagation for Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta is through division propagation. This method involves the division of mature plants into smaller sections. The best time for division is in the spring or fall, when the plant is less active and experiencing less stress. The clump should be carefully lifted from the ground, and the rootball should be divided into smaller sections using a sharp, sterilized knife or garden tool. The divisions should be planted immediately in well-draining soil in their final growing location.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is also a possible method of propagation for Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta, but it is not commonly used due to the plant's woody stems. If cuttings are desired, it is best to take them from new growth in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches in length and stripped of any lower leaves. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The container should be covered with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment and placed in a bright, indirect light location until roots have formed.
Disease Management
Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta is susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rots and leaf spots. Therefore, it is important to keep the soil well-drained and avoid over-watering to prevent these fungal diseases from developing. If the plant does develop a fungal disease or infection, it is important to remove any infected parts of the plant to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides may also be used if necessary.
Pest Management
The most common pests that can affect Oxytropis viscida Nutt. var. subsucculenta include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can cause damage by feeding on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation such as holes in the leaves or insect activity. Natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings can also be introduced to the plant, or insecticidal soaps can be used to control the pests.
In addition, it is important to keep the plant healthy and stress-free, as stressed plants are more susceptible to pest infestations. This can be achieved by providing the plant with adequate water, nutrients, and light, as well as protecting it from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
