Origin
Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi, commonly known as Bolander's yampah, is a plant species native to western North America. It is found in the United States in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho, as well as in Canada in British Columbia.
Common Names
Besides Bolander's yampah, other common names for Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi include Bolander's yampah, bolander's wake robin, and bolander's yampa.
Uses
Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi has been historically used as a food source among indigenous peoples in the western United States. The roots were eaten raw or cooked, and they were considered to have a pleasant, nutty flavor. Additionally, the plant has some medicinal properties, with the roots and leaves being used to treat conditions such as coughs and sore throats.
General Appearance
Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its stem is slender and smooth and has a reddish-green hue. The leaves are divided into small, linear segments and are arranged in an alternating pattern along the stem. The plant produces clusters of white or pink flowers that are small and inconspicuous. The fruit is a round, flattened seed that is enclosed in a dry, woody capsule.
Growth Conditions for Perideridia bolanderi ssp. bolanderi
Light: Perideridia bolanderi ssp. bolanderi prefers to grow in areas that receive full sun or partial shade. In dense vegetation, it can also grow in dappled sunlight.
Temperature: This plant species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers a moderate climate with cool summers and mild winters. It can grow well in areas with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 80°F and can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and high as 100°F.
Soil: Perideridia bolanderi ssp. bolanderi grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers fertile, acidic soils with pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. However, it can also tolerate mildly alkaline soils with a pH of up to 7.5. This plant species can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering and can tolerate dry periods. However, it cannot survive in waterlogged soils or areas with poor drainage.
Nutrition: Perideridia bolanderi ssp. bolanderi does not have specific nutritional requirements, but it benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. The ideal fertilizer must have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Other Requirements: This plant species requires periodic pruning to remove old or dead foliage and maintain its shape. It is also vulnerable to pests and diseases such as slugs, mites, and powdery mildew. Therefore, regular pest control measures are necessary to keep the plant healthy and free from pest infestation.
Cultivation Methods
The Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi plant is native to North America and can be cultivated in gardens or containers. To grow this plant, it is best to start with seeds sown in well-draining soil and a sunny location. The plant does well in USDA zones 6 to 10, with a preference for dry to medium moisture conditions.
Watering Needs
The Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi requires moderate watering. The plant can tolerate dry conditions but cannot withstand damp soil for extended periods. It is best to water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry before the next watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases that can harm the plant's growth.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for the proper growth and development of Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) can be applied during the plant's active growth period. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the fertilizer to prevent overfeeding, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi requires minimal pruning. Deadheading or removing spent flowers can encourage new growth and improve the plant's appearance. However, it is best to avoid pruning during the winter months as it can damage the plant. It is also essential to remove any dead or diseased branches and stems promptly.
Propagation of Perideridia bolanderi ssp. bolanderi
Perideridia bolanderi ssp. bolanderi can be propagated by seeds or vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Perideridia bolanderi ssp. bolanderi can be collected from the mature flower heads in late summer or early fall when the seed capsules turn brown. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.
The seeds can be sown directly in the garden, but it is recommended to start them indoors in early spring. Sow the seeds thinly in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seeds should germinate in 10-14 days.
Once the seedlings have their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots and allowed to grow until the weather is warm enough to transplant them outdoors.
Vegetative Propagation
Perideridia bolanderi ssp. bolanderi can also be propagated vegetatively by division or cuttings.
Division is typically done in the fall when the plant has finished blooming. The clumps should be dug up and carefully divided into smaller sections, with each section having at least one healthy shoot and root system. The divided plants can then be transplanted to the desired location.
Cuttings can be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 4-6 inch stem from the parent plant, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep it moist until it roots, which should take about 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted to a new location.
Disease Management for Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi
Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi is susceptible to several diseases that can damage the plant and even kill it. Here are some common diseases that are detrimental to Perideridia bolanderi:
- Crown rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's crown and root system. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves and darkening of stems. To prevent the disease, avoid overwatering and planting in poorly drained soils. Treat the infected plants by applying a fungicide solution to the affected area.
- Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by a fungus that affects the leaves of the plant. Symptoms include small circular or irregular-shaped spots on the leaves. The spots may be yellow, brown or black in color. To prevent the disease, prune infected leaves and apply a fungicide solution to the plant's foliage.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. Symptoms include a white powdery substance on the surface of the leaves and stems. To prevent the disease, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate air circulation. You can also apply fungicide to the infected area.
Pest Management for Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi
Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. bolanderi can also fall victim to different pests that can affect its growth and overall health. Here are some common pests that can infest Perideridia bolanderi:
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and hard to spot. Their presence is often noted by webbing on the undersides of leaves or when leaves are discolored and damaged. The best way to prevent spider mites is to keep humidity high, avoid over-fertilizing and treat with a miticide if infestation is present.
- Aphids: Aphids appear as small, soft-bodied insects that can be found clustered on the undersides of leaves or on tender new growth. To prevent the damage caused by aphids, introduce predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, or apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the infected area.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are moth larvae that feed on the stem and roots of the plant, which can cause stunted growth or death. To prevent the damage caused by cutworms, use barriers around the base of the plants such as collars or apply a biological insecticide.
