Overview
Pickeringia montana Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. tomentosa (Abrams) I.M. Johnston, also known as mountain coyote bush, is a shrub species native to the western coast of North America. It is a member of the Rosaceae family and can grow up to 6 feet in height.
Common Names
Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa is commonly known as mountain coyote bush, stickyleaf, and woolly coyote brush.
Appearance
The mountain coyote bush has hairy and sticky leaves that are gray-green in color. Its stem is woody and brown, with a diameter of up to 2 inches. The plant produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom from late winter to early summer.
Uses
Indigenous communities in California traditionally used Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa for medicinal purposes, such as treating stomach aches, coughs, colds, and headaches. The plant’s leaves can also be used for making tea. In addition, the shrub is used as deer-resistant landscaping and as a cover for erosion control due to its thick branches and extensive root systems.
Light Requirements
Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa thrives in full sunlight. It prefers a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa grows well in a range of temperatures. It can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius but prefers a warm, Mediterranean climate.
Water Requirements
Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa is a drought-tolerant plant. It can survive with minimal water, but regular watering is recommended during the growing season.
Soil Requirements
Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa prefers well-draining soils with low to moderate fertility. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should not be too moist or waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Other Requirements
Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa does not have any significant requirements, such as fertilizer applications, pruning, or additional care. However, it is susceptible to some pests and diseases, including spider mites and root rot. Monitoring and preventive measures can keep these issues under control.
Cultivation
The Pickeringia montana Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. tomentosa (Abrams) I.M. Johnston plant is native to mountain ranges and dry areas of California. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
When choosing a location for planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining and has adequate space for the plant's growth, as it can grow up to six feet tall and five feet wide.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, especially during its first year of growth. Deep watering is recommended to encourage deep root growth and reduce the frequency of watering.
It is recommended to avoid constantly wet soil as it can lead to root rot.
During summer seasons, watering should be increased to keep the plant hydrated, while during winter, the watering frequency should be reduced.
Fertilization
Fertilization is recommended once yearly at the beginning of the plant's growing season.
Applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
The amount of fertilizer applied should be based on the manufacturer's instructions and the plant's growth stage.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Pickeringia montana Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. tomentosa (Abrams) I.M. Johnston plants, but it can be done to shape it and control its size.
Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Cut back any damaged or dead branches and trim back any overgrown areas to maintain its shape.
Propagation of Pickeringia montana Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. tomentosa (Abrams) I.M. Johnston
Pickeringia montana Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. tomentosa (Abrams) I.M. Johnston, commonly known as chaparral pea or chaparral sweetpea, can be propagated through different methods such as seed propagation, cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation is through seed. The seeds of Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa can be collected from the plant during the fall season. Once collected, the seeds can be sown directly or after stratification, as they have a hard seed coat. Before sowing, the seeds must be soaked in water for 24 hours. Then plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture, lightly covering them with soil, and keep the soil moist. The seeds usually germinate in 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings
Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa cuttings can be taken during the summer season. For this method, select healthy branches of the plant and cut 4-6 inches of softwood. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cuttings, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and warm, and after a few weeks, the cuttings will establish roots and start growing.
Layering
Layering is another method of propagation and can be done during the spring or fall season. Pick a low growing branch of the plant and bend it towards the ground. Make a small cut in the bark of the branch where it touches the soil and bury that part into the soil, leaving the rest of the branch exposed. Secure the branch into the soil with a small stake or rock. After a few weeks, the buried part of the branch will develop roots, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Disease Management
While Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa is generally a healthy plant, there are still a few diseases that it may suffer from. The most common diseases affecting this plant include powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears on the leaves of the plant in the form of a white, dusty coating. Rust, another fungal disease, appears on the leaves and stems in the form of orange or brown spots. Leaf spot is another fungal infection that appears as brown spots on the leaves.
Preventative measures such as ensuring proper drainage and air circulation around the plant can help prevent fungal infections. For treating fungal infections, copper fungicides may be applied. It's also recommended to remove affected plant parts as soon as they are detected to limit the spread of the infection.
Pest Management
While not as common as fungal infections, there are a few pests that can affect Pickeringia montana var. tomentosa. These include aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant. Spider mites are even smaller, and they feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellow spots. Scale insects appear as small, raised bumps on the leaves and stems.
To prevent pest infestations, regular inspections of the plant should be done. If pests are found, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied. For severe infestations, a chemical insecticide may be necessary.
