Overview
Phacelia cicutaria (Caterpillar Phacelia) Greene var. hispida (Gray) J.T. Howell is a beautiful annual plant belonging to the borage family Boraginaceae. This plant is native to North America and is generally found in the western United States and northern Mexico.
Description
Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida is a low-growing plant with narrow and dissected leaves. The plant's stem is covered in short, stiff hairs, and can grow up to 20 inches tall. The flowers of this plant are small and bell-shaped, and are usually purple-blue or lavender. The seed capsules are round and covered with bristles, and contain small seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Common Names
Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida is commonly known as Caterpillar Phacelia or Caterpillar flower due to its unique appearance. The plant is also known as Fern-leaf Phacelia, Western Bellflower, and Pacific Phacelia.
Uses
Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida is used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people in the southwestern United States. The roots of this plant were traditionally used to treat snake bites and other venoms, while the leaves were used to make a poultice for treating skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis. The plant is also known to attract and support populations of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Light Requirements
The Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida (Gray) J.T. Howell typically requires full sun to partial shade to grow optimally. This species needs plenty of sunlight to maximize their growth and development. However, they can also tolerate partial shade conditions, making them adaptable to various types of lighting environments.
Temperature Requirements
The Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida (Gray) J.T. Howell grows well in moderate temperatures, ranging between 10°C to 30°C. These plants are native to the western and southern regions of North America, where the climate is typically dry and arid. They can tolerate hot weather conditions, but it is essential to ensure that the temperature extremes do not harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida (Gray) J.T. Howell prefers to grow in well-draining soils that have a good amount of organic matter. This species can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but they thrive in sandy soils and loamy soils. The pH of the soil should range between 5.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth. Try to keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida (Gray) J.T. Howell, commonly known as the fernleaf phacelia, is a beautiful annual plant that is easy to cultivate and care for. It is generally grown from seed and can be sown directly in the garden bed in the spring after the last frost or started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Watering Needs
Phacelia cicutaria requires consistent and regular watering to promote healthy growth and flowering. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. It is important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. A layer of mulch can help retain moisture and regulate the soil temperature.
Fertilization
Phacelia cicutaria does not require frequent fertilization, as it can thrive in moderate levels of soil nutrients. Too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant and cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering. However, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied to the soil once or twice during the growing season to promote healthy growth and development.
Pruning
Phacelia cicutaria does not require extensive pruning, as the plant is naturally bushy and compact. However, deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms and extend the flowering season. Removing yellow or damaged leaves can also help promote a healthy and attractive appearance. Pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the stem or foliage of the plant.
Propagation of Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida (Gray) J.T. Howell
Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida (Gray) J.T. Howell can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. Here are the details:
Propagation through seeds
Phacelia cicutaria produces seeds that can be collected for propagation. The seeds should be collected when they are fully matured and dried on the plant itself. Once the seeds are collected, they can be sown directly into the soil. The soil should be well-drained with a slightly acidic pH level. The seeds need to be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered regularly. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring season.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Propagation of Phacelia cicutaria can also be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy mother plants during the early summer season. The cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves of the cuttings should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage rooting. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained potting mixture and watered regularly. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area and kept moist until they start rooting. Once the cuttings root, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida (Gray) J.T. Howell
Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida (Gray) J.T. Howell is relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, in some cases, it is vulnerable to certain diseases and pests that can damage the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida is powdery mildew. This fungi disease is characterized by the presence of white or gray powdery substance on the foliage and stems of the plant. It can cause poor plant growth, wilting, and eventually, death of the plant. To manage this disease, you can spray the plant with a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda mixed with 1 gallon of water. This can help to control the spread of powdery mildew.
Another disease that might affect this plant is root rot, which is caused by various fungi. Root rot can cause the plant to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually die. To prevent root rot, you should avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-drained. If you suspect that the plant has root rot, you should remove it from the soil, cut off any infected roots, and replant it in fresh soil.
Pests
One of the most common pests that might attack Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida is aphids. These small insects can suck the sap from the foliage and stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and die. To control aphids, you can spray the plant with a solution of 1 tablespoon of dish soap mixed with 1 gallon of water. This can help to kill the aphids and prevent them from spreading.
Another pest that might affect this plant is spider mites. These tiny insects can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves, as well as the appearance of webs on the plant. To control spider mites, you can wash the plant with a strong spray of water or use an insecticidal soap.
In conclusion, while Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida (Gray) J.T. Howell is relatively disease and pest-resistant, it is still important to be aware of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant. By taking steps to manage these problems, you can ensure that your plant stays healthy and thrives.
