Overview
Plagiobothrys californicus (Gray) Greene var. ursinus (Gray) I.M. Johnston, also known as Bear Valley popcornflower, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is native to California and can be found in the Sierra Nevada foothills and other regions that have dry, rocky soils.
Common Names
Bear Valley popcornflower is the most common name for Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus. Other names for this plant include California popcornflower, Coast Range forget-me-not, and Ursine forget-me-not.
Appearance
Bear Valley popcornflower is an annual herb that can grow up to about 20 inches tall. The plant has a straight, slender stem and small, narrow leaves that are hairy and rough to the touch. The flowers of this plant are small, white, and clustered at the top of the stem. The petals of the flowers are rolled up and have a tubular shape that looks like a popcorn kernel, which explains the name "popcornflower."
Uses
Bear Valley popcornflower is not widely used for medicinal or culinary purposes. However, the plant is a valuable source of nectar and pollen for small insects, such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, Bear Valley popcornflower is often used in wildflower gardens and as a ground cover in rock gardens.
Light Requirements
Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus prefers full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate a range of light conditions. It is often found in open, sunny areas, but can also grow among taller vegetation as an understory plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to California and is adapted to a Mediterranean climate that features hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It can tolerate a range of temperatures, but performs best in areas with mild temperatures. It is hardy from USDA zones 8-10.
Soil Requirements
Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus prefers well-draining soils that are sandy or loamy. It can grow in a range of soil types, from acidic to alkaline, but performs best in soils with a pH between 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate some drought, but will not grow well in overly wet or waterlogged soils.
Cultivation
Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus grows well both in full sun and partially shaded areas. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It is ideal for dry garden settings and is drought-tolerant. It is easy to propagate Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus through seeds and cuttings.
Watering Needs
Watering is only necessary for young plants until they are well established. Mature plants require little watering except during prolonged periods of drought. Overwatering should be avoided, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus requires little fertilization, as excessive fertilization can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers. It is advisable to fertilize only once a year in the spring with a slow-release organic fertilizer. Prior to fertilizing, it is recommended to test the soil to determine if fertilization is necessary.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus. However, cutting the stems after flowering can promote new growth and more abundant blooms. Deadheading spent flowers is also recommended to encourage growth and blooming. Any broken or diseased branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation methods for Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus
Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus can be propagated through several methods including seed propagation and division of roots.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus. The plant produces small seeds, which can be collected in late summer or fall when the seed heads have dried and turned brown. The seeds must be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be planted. Before planting, the seeds should be scarified to increase water absorption. Scarification can be done by rubbing seeds lightly with sandpaper or by soaking them in hot water for a few minutes. The seeds germinate quickly and should be planted in well-draining, moist soil. Seed propagation is best done in early spring or late fall.
Division of roots
Division of roots can be used to propagate Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus. This method involves digging up the parent plant and dividing the roots into several sections. Each section must have both roots and a shoot. The divided sections can then be planted in well-draining soil. This method is best done in early spring when the plant is dormant.
Regardless of which propagation method is chosen, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist until the new plants are established. Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus is adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil types and sun exposures, but it prefers partial shade and well-draining soil.
Common diseases and pests for Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus
Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus could be susceptible to various diseases and pests. It is important to identify and manage these issues before they cause severe damage to the plant.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus is powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. The infection usually appears as white, powdery patches on leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to prevent foliage from staying wet for too long.
Anthrax stalk rot, caused by the fungus Gibberella sanbornii, is another disease that affects Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus. Symptoms of the disease include wilting, yellowing, and browning of leaves. To control anthrax stalk rot, it is crucial to eliminate plant debris regularly, avoid over-watering, and practice crop rotation.
Pests
Plagiobothrys californicus var. ursinus may be susceptible to several types of pests, such as spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Spider mites suck sap from the leaves, causing stippling and yellowing. Aphids also suck sap and excrete honeydew, promoting the growth of sooty mold. Thrips feed on leaves and flowers, causing deformities and browning.
To manage spider mites, it is important to improve air circulation by pruning and keeping the area around the plant free of debris. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective. For aphids, spraying the plant with a strong blast of water or using insecticidal soap can control their population. Thrips, on the other hand, are more challenging to manage. Sticky traps and insecticides containing spinosad or pyrethrin can help control their numbers.
