Origin
Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. also known as New England hawkweed is native to North America and can be found in the eastern regions of the continent, extending from New York to Georgia in the United States and also in southeastern Canada.
Common Names
Aside from New England hawkweed, this plant is commonly referred to as orange hawkweed, devil's paintbrush, field hawkweed, and fox-and-cubs.
Uses
New England hawkweed has some medicinal properties and is used for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects. Indigenous people, particularly the Cherokee and Iroquois tribes, have used the plant for various therapeutic purposes such as kidney problems, coughs, and skin irritations.
However, despite these benefits, New England hawkweed is considered an invasive species in certain regions such as New Zealand, where it poses a significant threat to the native ecology.
General Appearance
Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. has a distinctive growth habit, standing at a height of 10-50 cm. The plant produces yellow to orange-red flowers that appear in clusters at the end of a long, slender stem. Each flower has a bright yellow center, surrounded by thin petals with pointed tips. The leaves are elliptical, about 3-6 cm long and 1-2 cm wide, with a hairy or fuzzy texture. The stem and leaves often have a reddish tinge.
New England hawkweed tends to grow in dry, open spaces such as meadows, grasslands, and roadsides. It has a unique ability to thrive in poor soil conditions, making it an aggressive plant that can quickly overtake other native species.
Light Requirements
Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. It can tolerate some shade but will not thrive in complete shade. Therefore, it is best to grow it in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. is a cold-season perennial plant that can survive in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers cooler temperatures and can withstand frosty conditions in the winter. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 50°F and 75°F (10°C to 24°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It can tolerate a range of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and gravelly soils. However, it prefers soils that are loamy with a good water-holding capacity. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as the plant can become susceptible to root rot if the soil remains waterlogged for an extended period.
Cultivation
The Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb., also known as the New England hawkweed, is a perennial plant that thrives best in well-draining soils. It requires a moderate amount of sunlight, but it can also survive in partial shade, making it an excellent plant for gardens and meadows. You can propagate this plant through seeds or by dividing the roots of mature ones. Ensure you plant it in the appropriate conditions to help it grow and thrive.
Watering
The Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. prefers a moist soil environment, but it doesn't thrive under flooded conditions. Watering is necessary during the summer when the soil comes dry. You can check the moisture levels by digging a little. If the soil is dry about an inch deep, it needs watering. Avoid excess watering, which could cause root rot or fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. doesn't require much fertilizer, making it a low-maintenance plant. However, applying a well-balanced fertilizer during the spring could enhance its growth and blooming. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaf development but limit flowering. Too much fertilizer could cause the plant to become overly leggy and susceptible to damage, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
The Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. can grow up to 2 feet, producing tall stems with yellow flowers. Pruning after flowering helps keep the plant tidy and prevents seed formation. Cut the dead or yellowing stems as close to the ground as possible using sharp scissors or a pruning knife. Pruning is an excellent opportunity to propagate the plant. You can divide the root ball and transplant the new sections.
Propagation of Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb.
Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. can be propagated both sexually and asexually. The plant is known to reproduce vegetatively, as well as through seeds.
Propagation through seeds
Propagation through seeds is considered the natural way of propagating Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. The plant produces numerous tiny seeds that get dispersed by the wind. To propagate the plant through seeds, the seeds must be collected from mature plants. The collected seeds must be sowed directly into the soil. Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. requires well-drained soil and full sunlight to grow.
Propagation through vegetative means
Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. can also be propagated vegetatively. The plant produces runners that help in vegetative propagation. Additionally, the plant can also be propagated through root cuttings. A section of the root must be cut into smaller pieces and planted in moist soil. The soil must be kept moist until new plants emerge. Vegetative propagation is often faster than propagation through seeds.
It is important to note that propagating Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. from seeds is a more successful propagation method, as the plant can be difficult to propagate vegetatively.
Disease Management
Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. is susceptible to various diseases that can cause damage to the plant, such as:
- Rust - This fungal disease usually manifests as reddish-brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. Rust spores can spread quickly, especially in wet and humid conditions. To manage this disease, it is important to remove all infected plant parts and destroy them. Additionally, fungicides can be used to prevent the fungus from spreading.
- Anthracnose - This fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves, as well as brown spots and lesions. It can be caused by various fungi and is most common in cool and moist conditions. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Verticillium wilt - This soil-borne fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves, as well as stunted growth and eventual death of the plant. Verticillium wilt can persist in soil for several years. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Additionally, it is important to avoid planting susceptible plants in the same soil.
Pest Management
Several pests can also affect Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. and cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests and management options:
- Aphids - These small insects suck sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation. To manage aphids, it is important to remove them manually or use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Thrips - These tiny insects feed on the plant and can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and distorted leaves. Thrips are difficult to see, but their presence can be detected by the silvery discoloration on the leaves. To manage thrips, it is important to remove infested plant parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Spider mites - These microscopic pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking sap and spinning webs on the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to remove infested plant parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Additionally, increasing plant humidity can deter spider mites.
It is important to monitor your Pilosella novae-angliae Rydb. regularly and address any issues in a timely manner to prevent severe damage to the plant.
