Origin and Common Names
Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. involucrata Chuang & Constance, commonly known as Bolander's yampah, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to western North America. It can be found in various habitats, including woodland, chaparral, and grassland ecosystems, from British Columbia south to California and east into Montana and Wyoming.
General Appearance
Bolander's yampah typically grows between 10 and 80 cm tall, and features a thick and woody taproot. The stem of the plant is slender and branching, with the leaves being basal and divided into several leaflets that are linear or oblong in shape. The flowers of Bolander's yampah are small and white, and they grow in clusters at the end of stems that are taller than the leaves. The plant also features an involucre of leaf-like bracts at the base of the flower cluster, which is a distinguishing characteristic of the species.
Uses
Bolander's yampah has a rich cultural history among many Native American groups in the western United States. The plant was traditionally used as a food source, with the raw or cooked roots and young leaves being consumed. The plant also has medicinal properties, with some tribes using it as a treatment for various ailments such as fever and toothaches. In modern times, Bolander's yampah is often used for landscaping and restoration due to its drought tolerance and ability to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Light Requirements
The Perideridia bolanderi ssp. involucrata Chuang & Constance plant typically prefers partial to full sunlight exposure. It can tolerate some shade, but it is best to keep the plant in an area where it can receive direct or partially filtered sunlight. Without enough sunlight, the plant may struggle to grow and flower properly.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Perideridia bolanderi ssp. involucrata is between 60-80°F (15-27°C). The plant can tolerate some frost, but if exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended period, it may start to lose leaves or even die. It is essential to keep the plant in a climate-controlled area that mimics its natural habitat.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. It also prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (between 5.5-7.5). The Perideridia bolanderi ssp. involucrata can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils. However, the plant will not tolerate poorly drained or waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. involucrata Chuang & Constance thrives in dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils. The plant is best grown from fresh seeds or roots. Sow the seeds in late fall or early spring after the soil has warmed up. Ensure that the planting area receives partial shade to full sun. The seeds should be planted at least 1/8 inch deep and spaced out 2-3 inches apart.
If you intend to grow the plant from roots, ensure that you take them from the parent plant carefully to avoid damaging them. Ensure that the roots are packed in moist soil, and keep them evenly moist until they have become established.
Watering Needs
The Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. involucrata Chuang & Constance is highly drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, during dry spells, it is best to water the plant deeply, at least once a week, to ensure that the soil is moist to a depth of 6 inches.
When watering the plant, ensure that you do not water the foliage, as this can lead to the development of diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
Fertilization
The Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. involucrata Chuang & Constance does not require much fertilization. Once a year, in early spring, you can add a slow-release organic fertilizer to the soil. This will help to improve the soil quality, provide essential nutrients to the plant, and encourage healthy growth.
Avoid using synthetic fertilizers as they can lead to the development of imbalances in the soil, which can harm the plant in the long run.
Pruning
The Perideridia bolanderi (Gray) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. involucrata Chuang & Constance does not require much pruning. However, you can remove the spent flowers to encourage the development of new buds. Additionally, you can remove any dead or diseased foliage as soon as you notice it to prevent the spread of diseases to other parts of the plant.
Avoid pruning the plant in the fall, as this can lead to the development of frost damage.
Propagation Methods for Perideridia bolanderi ssp. involucrata
Perideridia bolanderi ssp. involucrata can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagation is through seeds. The seeds need to be collected from mature plants, as immature seeds are unlikely to germinate. After collecting the seeds, they should be sown in a seed-starting mix and kept moist, but not waterlogged. The container should be kept in a warm and brightly lit area, but out of direct sunlight. The seeds should start to germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings can be done, but it is not as common as seed propagation. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant in the spring, when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be around 4-6 inches long and taken from the tip of the stem. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The container should be kept moist, and the cutting should be kept in a warm and brightly lit area until root growth is visible.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is the most difficult of the three methods and should only be done on mature plants that have developed a strong root system. To propagate through division, the plant should be carefully removed from the soil and the root system gently loosened. The plant can then be divided into two or more sections using a sterile knife or scissors. Each division should have a healthy root system and at least one stem. The divided plants should then be potted in well-draining soil and kept in a warm, brightly lit area until new growth is visible.
Disease Management
Fungal diseases are the most common issues affecting Perideridia bolanderi ssp. involucrata. One such disease is powdery mildew, which presents as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the foliage dry and well-ventilated. If necessary, fungicides can be applied to affected plants.
Another fungal disease is root rot, which can lead to the collapse of the entire plant. To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. In severe cases, the affected plant should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Perideridia bolanderi ssp. involucrata may be susceptible to certain pests such as spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars. Spider mites cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves, while aphids can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Caterpillars, on the other hand, feed on the foliage, causing holes and damage.
To manage these pests, it is important to maintain good garden hygiene by removing any plant debris and weeds that may harbor pests. Spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling these pests.
In severe cases, it may be necessary to use chemical pesticides, but caution should be exercised as these can also harm beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs that play a crucial role in the garden ecosystem.
