Origin
Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin, commonly known as Island lousewort, is a plant species endemic to British Columbia, Canada. It is a subspecies of Pedicularis pennellii and was first classified by Calder and Taylor in 1968.
Common Names
Aside from Island lousewort, this plant also goes by the names Pennell's lousewort and Taylor's lousewort. These common names are derived from the people who first classified this plant.
Uses
Island lousewort is not commonly used for medicinal purposes, although it is known to have been used as a traditional remedy for treating headaches by the Squamish Nation. However, it is believed that the plant should not be consumed due to its toxicity. Island lousewort is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
The Island lousewort is a perennial plant that typically grows up to 30 cm tall. It is characterized by its ferny, grayish-green leaves and clustered, purplish-red flowers that bloom from May to August. The flowers are arranged in inflorescences that are either spike-like or rounded. Each flower produces a seed capsule that contains many tiny seeds. Island lousewort can be found growing in wet meadows and bogs in the coastal regions of British Columbia.
Growth Conditions for Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin
Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin is a plant species that typically grows in cool, rocky, and moist areas of alpine and subalpine ecosystems. It can be found in mountain ranges such as the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range in North America.
Light
Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin requires moderate to full sunlight exposure to grow optimally. It often grows on open slopes, meadows, and clearings where the amount of sunlight is abundant.
Temperature
Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin prefers cool temperatures between 5°C and 20°C. It can withstand frost and snow during the winter months, but the freezing temperature can damage the leaves and flowers if it persists. The plant species often experiences a short growing season due to the cold temperatures and may develop slowly over a couple of years.
Soil Requirements
The plant species requires well-drained, nutrient-rich, and moist soil to grow optimally. It can tolerate acidic soil but prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH. The plant also requires a rock or gravel base that provides stability and good drainage. It often grows on talus slopes, scree, and rocky alpine meadows where the soil has a high percentage of organic matter and is rich in minerals.
Cultivation Methods
It is important to note that Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis is a rare plant species. Thus, obtaining the perfect cultivation methods may be tasking. However, they are known to thrive in well-draining soils with good aeration. Furthermore, the planting location should have a light shade or indirect sunlight.
Propagation of Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis can be done either by seed or by cuttings. Seeds are sown in a seedbed during spring, and the cuttings are obtained in the summer.
Watering Needs
When being cultivated, Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis requires moist soils with good water retention capabilities. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as this may lead to root rot. Watering once in two weeks is enough, provided the plant is not in a dry area.
Fertilization
It is not clear what type of fertilizer Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis needs as it is still an understudied plant species. For a start, a loamy soil can provide some form of nutrient for the plant. However, it is advisable to consult professionals or reach out to botanical gardens for better clarification.
Pruning
During the first few years of growth, pruning is not necessary. Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis have excellent growth habits. However, if the plant is not branching out as expected, pruning can be done in the early spring. Pinching out the terminal buds of the stem can encourage branching. Also, pruning can help control the size and shape of the plant, if it is grown for ornamental purposes.
Propagation of Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin
There are several methods of propagating Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division propagation.
Propagation via Seeds
The recommended time to sow Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin seeds is in the fall. To do so, sow the seeds around 1/8th inch deep in a seed-starting mix, and keep the soil moist, but not wet, until the seeds germinate.
Once the seeds sprout, keep the soil evenly moist, and provide bright, indirect sunlight or artificial grow lights for 12-16 hours per day. Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into their own pots or prepared garden beds.
Propagation via Cuttings
Cutting propagation can be done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. To take cuttings, make a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, cutting just below a node, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and place the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, and provide bright, indirect sunlight or artificial grow lights for 12-16 hours per day.
The cutting should root within four to six weeks. Once it has developed roots and new top growth, it can be transplanted into its own pot or prepared garden bed.
Propagation via Division
Propagation via division is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To divide the plant, carefully lift it out of the ground and gently separate the roots into clumps. Each clump should have several shoots and well-developed roots.
Plant each clump in its own pot or prepared garden bed, and keep the soil evenly moist. The divided plants should be kept in a shaded spot for a few days to help them adjust to their new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin
Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin, commonly known as Pennell's Lousewort, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to North America and is found in the Pacific Northwest regions. Like any other plant, Pennell's Lousewort is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health. It is important to take necessary precautions to manage these diseases and pests effectively, and here are some tips to do so:
Common Diseases:
One of the most common diseases that affect Pennell's Lousewort is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the surrounding areas clean and dry, maintain proper air circulation around the plant, and avoid overcrowding. Additionally, removing the affected leaves can also help prevent the spreading of the disease.
Common Pests:
Several pests can attack Pennell's Lousewort, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can cause severe damage to the plant, leading to wilting, stunted growth, and even death. To manage these pests, one can use insecticidal soaps or oils, which are effective, non-toxic remedies that can be sprayed on the plant. Additionally, introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can also help control pest populations.
Overall, taking necessary precautions like maintaining proper hygiene, providing adequate water and fertilizers, and regularly inspecting the plant can help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests in Pedicularis pennellii Hultén var. insularis (Calder & Taylor) Boivin. In case of an infestation, it is essential to take prompt action to manage the problem and prevent further damage to the plant.
