Origin
Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins, also known as auricled feverfew, originates from North and South America.
Common names
Auricled feverfew is commonly known as auricled white-top, stickweed, hairy white-top, and ragweed.
Uses
Auricled feverfew has been used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headache, asthma, and various skin conditions. It has also been used as a natural insecticide and to treat contaminated water. However, its medicinal properties have not been widely studied.
In some areas, auricled feverfew is considered a weed and can be harmful to livestock if ingested.
General appearance
Auricled feverfew is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and has a spreading habit. Its leaves are hairy and toothed, and have "ears" or auricles at the base. The plant produces small white flowers in the summer and fall. Its seeds are small and have a long white pappus, which aids in wind dispersal.
The plant can grow in a variety of habitats, including disturbed areas, pastures, and along roadsides.
Light Requirements
Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins requires full sunlight to grow and develop properly. It is a sun-loving plant and cannot tolerate shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can survive in a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives in warm or hot temperatures. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 25°C to 35°C. It cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C, as it is highly susceptible to frost damage.
Soil Requirements
Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins prefers well-drained soils. The soil should have a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in both sandy and clayey soils, but the soil must be fertile and rich in organic matter. It can also tolerate saline soils. However, it cannot survive in waterlogged soils.
Cultivation methods
Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins is commonly known as auriculate feverfew, and it is an excellent plant to have in a garden. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The plant will thrive well in any soil ranging from sandy loam to clay loam with a pH of 6-7.5. Plant the auriculate feverfew during the spring or fall. Spacing is essential when planting because this plant can grow up to 3 feet in height and spread up to 2 feet. Space each plant about two feet apart.
Watering needs
Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins prefers consistent watering during its growing season. Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist to a depth of about 3 inches. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. During dry weather conditions, water the plant once a week, ensuring that the soil is not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins requires regular fertilization to promote growth and flowering. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and every four to six weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer to ensure a constant supply of nutrients throughout the season.
Pruning
Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins requires minimal pruning, but it benefits from a light trim to encourage branching and bushier growth. Pinch off the tips of the plant to promote fuller growth. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from reseeding excessively.
Propagation of Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins
Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins is commonly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins are small and can be collected from the mature flower heads. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes about 10 to 14 days. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once they reach a height of about 2 inches.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Stem cuttings of approximately 4 to 6 inches in length with at least two nodes can be taken from a healthy Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The planting medium should be kept moist until the cuttings develop roots, which usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Disease Management
Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins can be affected by several diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that forms a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize and affect yield. You can manage this disease by keeping the plant dry, increasing air circulation, and using fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This is a disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant, which can merge and cause the leaves to fall prematurely. You can manage this disease by removing infected plant parts, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow or orange spots on the leaves of the plant, which can lead to defoliation and reduced yield. You can manage this disease by removing infected plant parts, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins is also susceptible to attack from several pests, which can cause significant damage to the plant. Some common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow or brown and fall prematurely. You can manage this pest by keeping the plant moist, increasing air circulation, and using insecticides.
- Whiteflies: These are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant and cause wilting and stunted growth. You can manage this pest by using sticky traps, increasing air circulation, and using insecticides.
- Caterpillars: These are the larval stage of butterflies or moths that can chew on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing defoliation and reduced yield. You can manage this pest by handpicking them, using insecticides, and practicing crop rotation.
It is essential to monitor Parthenium hispidum Raf. var. auriculatum (Britt.) Rollins frequently for any signs of disease or pest infestation, identify the causative agents, and take necessary steps to manage them. Proper management practices can ensure the plant's health and productivity and prevent significant losses in yield.
