Origin
Plagiobothrys stipitatus (Greene) I.M. Johnston var. micranthus (Piper) I.M. Johnston is a native plant to North America. It can be found in the western part of the United States, including California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada.
Common Names
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus is commonly known as smallflower popcornflower, tiny popcorn-flower, and small popcorn flower.
Uses
Smallflower popcornflower is a valuable plant for pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and other insects. It is also an important food source for small mammals and birds. The seeds of the plant can be eaten by humans, but they are relatively small and not commonly used as food.
General Appearance
Smallflower popcornflower is an annual herb that grows up to 20 inches tall. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with pointed tips. The flowers are small, measuring about 1/8 inch in diameter, and are white or pale pink in color. The plant blooms from April to June. The seeds are small and about 1/16 inch in diameter.
Light Requirements
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus prefers to grow in full sun or in some shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not grow as well if it does not receive enough sunlight. It is important to note that too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is typically found growing in areas with cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate some heat, but it prefers temperatures between 50-80°F (10-26.6°C). It is important to note that high temperatures can cause the plant to become stressed and may lead to decreased growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus prefers to grow in well-drained soils with low to moderate fertility. It can tolerate some sand, loam, or clay, but will not grow well in soils with high salinity or alkalinity. A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is recommended for optimal growth.
Additionally, this plant prefers soils that are moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues.
Cultivation Methods
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus can be cultivated easily in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets. It prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil.
The best time to plant the seeds is in late winter or early spring. Sow the seeds shallowly in the soil and keep the area moist until germination occurs, which can take up to two weeks.
The plant can also be propagated through division during the spring season. Care should be taken to avoid damage to the roots during this process.
Watering Needs
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus prefers regular watering that keeps the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week during the growing season, depending on the weather conditions. During the dormant season, the watering frequency can be reduced to once every two weeks.
Fertilization
The plant can benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and dilute it to half strength.
Fertilization should be done every four to six weeks, depending on the plant's growth. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can cause damage to the plant's roots and foliage.
Pruning
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus does not require extensive pruning. However, regular deadheading of spent flowers can encourage the growth of new blooms.
If the plant becomes too leggy or starts to grow out of shape, it can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Prune the plant back to the desired shape and size, taking care not to remove too many leaves or stems at once.
Propagation of Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus
Propagation of Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus can be done through seeds or vegetative means. However, in the wild, this plant primarily propagates through self-seeding.
Seed Propagation
To propagate Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus through seeds, it is important to collect the seeds when they are fully mature and ripe. The seeds should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted. Before planting, scarify the seeds by rubbing them with sandpaper or soaking them in hot water for a few hours to help break down their tough outer coating. Once scarified, the seeds can be directly sown in the ground in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool and damp.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus can be done through stem cuttings. Take a healthy stem cutting about 4-6 inches in length with leaves removed from the lower third of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant the cutting in moist soil. Keep the soil evenly moist and warm, around 65-75°F, until new growth appears.
Overall, Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus is relatively easy to propagate and offers an excellent option for native plant enthusiasts who seek to propagate and grow this unique plant in their gardens or for restoration projects.
Disease and Pest Management for Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus, commonly known as small-flowered popcornflower, is a wildflower that grows in dry habitats in western North America. While it is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, there are still some potential problems that gardeners may experience. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus may experience is powdery mildew. This disease is characterized by a white or grayish coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the area around the plant dry and improve air circulation. Pruning back the affected parts of the plant, as well as using a fungicide, can also be effective.
Anthrax spot is another disease that may affect this plant. It is characterized by small black spots on the leaves, which eventually become dry and fall off. To manage anthrax spot, it is recommended to remove the affected leaves and improve circulation around the plant by pruning it back. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
While Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus is generally resilient to pests, aphids can cause significant damage. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause wilting, stunted growth, and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, is also an effective way to control aphids.
Spider mites are another potential pest that can cause damage to the plant. These tiny pests feed on the plant's leaves and suck the sap, which can lead to wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris. Using an insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help keep spider mites at bay.
Overall, Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus is a resilient plant that is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, gardeners may still need to manage common diseases and pests to promote a healthy, thriving plant.
