Description of Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne
Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne is a species of the Phacelia family, which is native to the western United States. This plant is commonly known as Bearded Phacelia and hispid phacelia and is a hardy, herbaceous annual. It usually grows in moist soil and typically appears in the springtime.
General Appearance
The Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne grows up to a height of 12-30 inches and spreads about 12 inches wide. It has a single, upright stem that is covered in dense, hairy foliage. The leaves of this plant are deeply lobed and resemble the shape of a fern leaf. The flowers are small and bell-shaped, with blue-purple petals, and form a dense cluster on top of the stem.
Uses
Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne is primarily grown as an ornamental plant and makes a great addition to rock gardens or as a border plant. The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which makes it ideal for those wanting to create a pollinator-friendly garden. Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne has also been used medicinally by the indigenous people of the western United States to relieve pain and promote wound healing.
Overall, Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne is a stunning plant that is relatively easy to care for and would make a beautiful addition to any garden.Light Requirements
The Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne plant requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It thrives well in regions with high sunlight intensity and minimal shading. The full sunlight exposure enables the plant to enhance photosynthesis, which is necessary for its survival and growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the Mediterranean climate, and it thrives best in temperature ranges of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The plant cannot tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures that are outside the optimal range. A temperature below this range slows down its growth rate, while temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius can cause the plant to wilt and even die.
Soil Requirements
Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne grows well in well-draining, sandy soils that are rich in organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The optimal soil pH is approximately 6 to 7.5, and the soil must be adequately moist for optimal growth. The plant is sensitive to water-logged soils and is prone to root rot under such conditions. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not too wet and that water drainage is sufficient.
Cultivation
Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne is a hardy plant that can survive in different soil types and climates. It is commonly grown as a cover crop and to attract pollinators to gardens and farms.
The best time to plant Phacelia cicutaria is during late fall or early spring. The plant prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1/4 inch, and should be lightly covered with soil. The seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days.
Watering Needs
Phacelia cicutaria is a low to moderate water user. The plant should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot or fungal diseases.
Watering should be done in the morning or late afternoon to avoid evaporation loss. The plant should be watered at the base to prevent wetting the entire foliage, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Phacelia cicutaria is a light feeder and does not require heavy fertilization. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil before planting to provide nutrients for the plant. Composted manure or organic fertilizers like fish meal or bone meal can be used to improve the soil health.
Nitrogen fertilizers should be used sparingly, as excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage growth but lower flower production. Overfertilization can also result in the accumulation of nitrates in the soil, which can pollute the groundwater.
Pruning
Phacelia cicutaria does not require pruning except for removing dead or diseased foliage. The plant can be cut down to the ground after flowering and before the seeds mature. This can help to prevent the plant from self-seeding and spreading too much.
If the plant is being grown as a cover crop, it can be tilled into the soil after cutting to provide organic matter and nutrients for the soil.
Propagation of Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne
Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne is a native annual herbaceous plant that is commonly found in the southwestern United States. It is known for its attractive blue-purple flowers and its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. Propagation of this plant can be done in various ways, including by seed and by cuttings.
Propagation by seed
Propagation of Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne by seed is relatively easy and requires minimal effort. The ideal time to collect seeds is during autumn when the plant has gone completely dry. The harvested seeds must be dried thoroughly and stored in cool, dry conditions until planting. The seeds generally take about 6-8 weeks to germinate and grow into mature plants.
Propagation by direct sowing is also possible, but it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and fertile. The seeds must be planted at a depth of about 1/4 inch and watered frequently until germination.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation of Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne by cuttings is also possible, although this method is not commonly used. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants during the growing season, and the stems must be rooted under humid conditions. Cuttings should be about 2-3 inches long and must be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings must be planted in moist, fertile soil and kept under shade until roots have formed.
Overall, Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida (Gray) Beauchamp ex Thorne can be propagated easily using seed or cutting methods. The plant has many attractive features and is an excellent addition to any garden or landscaping project.
Disease Management:
Phacelia cicutaria ssp. hispida is a hardy plant and is not commonly affected by diseases. However, certain environmental factors, such as poor soil drainage and excessive moisture, can cause fungal diseases to appear. The most common fungal diseases that can affect this plant are powdery mildew and leaf spot.
To manage these diseases, it is important to ensure good soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. If powdery mildew or leaf spot appear, promptly remove the affected leaves and dispose of them away from the plant. Additionally, you can use an organic fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management:
Phacelia cicutaria ssp. hispida is generally resistant to pests and insect infestations. However, certain pests may still attack the plant, such as aphids and spider mites.
To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to spray the plant. Additionally, you can release natural predators, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises, to control the pest population.
