Overview:
Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple, also known as Tracy's golden aster or narrowleaf silkgrass, is a native North American plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that is well-known for its medicinal and ornamental properties.
Appearance:
The plant has a deeply rooted rhizomatous stem system that forms a woody base. The stem can reach up to 30 cm in height and has narrow leaves that are about 1 mm wide and up to 25 cm long. The leaves are linear and rigid, appearing in clusters or tufts at the base of the stem. The yellow flowers appear in late summer to early fall and form at the top of the stem. Each flower head consists of a central disk of fertile florets surrounded by ray flowers with four to eight petals.
Origin:
This plant is native to southeastern United States, occurring naturally from the coastal plains of Virginia to Florida and Louisiana. Tracy's golden aster is commonly found growing in sandy and well-drained soils in pine woodlands, savannas, and along roads and fields.
Common Names:
Some of the common names of Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple include Tracy's golden aster, narrowleaf silkgrass, golden aster, silkgrass, and yellow silkgrass.
Uses:
Tracy's golden aster has both medicinal and ornamental uses. The plant has traditionally been used to treat various respiratory and digestive problems. It was also used as a natural remedy for fever, headache, and inflammation. Today, extracts from Pityopsis graminifolia are still used for medicinal purposes, including treatments for asthma and bronchitis.
Tracy's golden aster is also commonly used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive narrow leaves and yellow flowers. The plant is low-maintenance and can be easily grown in gardens, providing a delightful display of yellow flowers in the fall.
Light Requirements
Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple typically requires full sun to partial shade to grow and thrive. The plant grows best in open fields, meadows, and dry forests.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in the eastern United States, from Kansas to Florida, and requires a warm temperate climate. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F) in the summer and -10°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F) in the winter.
Soil Requirements
Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple typically requires well-drained soils. It can grow in sandy and loamy soils as well. The plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil pH levels, from 6.0 to 8.0. However, it grows best in neutral to slightly acidic soil.
Cultivation Method
Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple, commonly known as Tracy's Goldenaster or Florida Goldenaster, is native to Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. It is a perennial plant that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Propagation of Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple can be done through seeds, cuttings, or dividing the root ball. It is advisable to plant the seeds or cuttings during the spring season when the risk of frost is minimal. Once established, Tracy's Goldenaster requires minimal maintenance and care.
Watering Needs
Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple does well in well-draining soils and is moderately drought-tolerant. However, to thrive and bloom adequately, this plant requires consistent watering. It is best to irrigate the plant once a week, deeply, and evenly during the growing season. During dry spells, it may be necessary to water the plant twice a week.
Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy and avoid getting the leaves wet as this may lead to fungal infections and other diseases.
Fertilization
Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple does not have high nutrient requirements. However, fertilizing this plant once a year can help improve soil fertility and facilitate better growth. It is best to apply a balanced granular fertilizer during the spring season. Read and follow the package instructions for proper application rates.
Pruning
Pruning Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple is not a necessary task but can help maintain its shape, prevent diseases, and promote better blooming. The best time to prune this plant is during the winter season when it is dormant. This allows new growth to emerge in the spring without being interrupted.
To prune, remove any dead or diseased wood, flowers, or foliage. You can also cut back the plant if it has become too leggy or overgrown. Prune only a third of the plant at a time to avoid stressing it or compromising future growth and blooming.
Propagation of Pityopsis graminifolia var. tracyi
Pityopsis graminifolia var. tracyi is a herbaceous perennial plant found exclusively in Florida. This plant can be propagated by seeds or vegetative cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Pityopsis graminifolia var. tracyi may be sown in the spring or summer. To propagate the plant from seeds, collect the seeds from mature plants and store them in a cool, dry place until planting time. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and moisten the soil with water. Keep the soil moist and warm until germination. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out and transplant to their final location.
Propagation by Vegetative Cuttings
Pityopsis graminifolia var. tracyi can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings from healthy plants. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a section of stem about 3-6 inches long, making sure it includes a node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist and warm until new growth appears. Once the cutting has developed a good root system, transplant it to its final location.
Disease Management for Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple
The plant Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple, commonly known as Tracy's golden aster or pineland silkgrass, is generally considered to be a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate dry and sandy soil conditions. However, like any other plant, it can be affected by diseases caused by fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens.
One of the common diseases that affect Pityopsis graminifolia is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Cercospora. This disease can cause small, circular, reddish-brown spots on the leaves that eventually turn gray and develop a yellow halo. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation by spacing the plants adequately.
Another disease that can affect Pityopsis graminifolia is powdery mildew, which is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. This disease can cause a powdery white growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers, which can eventually lead to leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage this disease, it is recommended to provide proper sanitation by removing the affected plant parts, improve air circulation, and avoid over-fertilization.
Pest Management for Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt. var. tracyi (Small) Semple
Aside from diseases, Pityopsis graminifolia can also be affected by various pests such as insects and mites. One of the common pests that can affect this plant is spider mites, which are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant sap and cause stippling, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop. To manage this pest, it is recommended to wash the leaves regularly with a strong stream of water, increase humidity, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Another pest that can affect Pityopsis graminifolia is the whitefly, which is a small insect that feeds on the plant sap and excretes honeydew, which can attract ants and cause sooty mold growth. To manage this pest, it is recommended to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, use yellow sticky traps, and apply insecticidal soaps or oils.
