Origin
Plagiobothrys stipitatus (Greene) I.M. Johnston var. stipitatus, commonly known as ripgut brome, is a plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae or borage family. This plant is native to North America, specifically in the western regions of the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Ripgut brome is also known as wild lentil, rattail false-brome, Indian peace pipe, and tansy.
Uses
Plagiobothrys stipitatus has several medicinal uses. Native people in North America have used the plant to treat various ailments such as fever, sore throat, and coughs. The plant contains mucilage, which is used as a demulcent to soothe irritated mucous membranes. The roots are also used as a contraceptive by some indigenous tribes.
Aside from its medicinal uses, ripgut brome is also an important forage for livestock in the western regions of North America. However, in large quantities, the plant can cause digestive problems and can be toxic to some animals.
General Appearance
Ripgut brome is an annual or biennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its stem is slender and can either be branched or unbranched. The leaves are narrow and elongated, measuring up to 8 cm long and 1 cm wide. It has small, white to pale blue, funnel-shaped flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the stem and in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a small, rough capsule that splits into four nutlets, each containing a single seed.
Light Requirements
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. stipitatus can grow in full sun to partial shade. However, it prefers open areas with full sunlight exposure. It is not a shade-tolerant plant and does poorly in low-light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it thrives in temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. It is adapted to grow in Mediterranean climates characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. P. stipitatus var. stipitatus is also drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of dry weather.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers loamy soils with good drainage. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. P. stipitatus var. stipitatus thrives in alkaline soils, but it can grow in slightly acidic soils as well. In areas with heavy clay soils, it may experience stunted growth.
Cultivation Methods:
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. stipitatus is a native annual herb that thrives in sandy or loamy soils with excellent drainage and ample sunshine. The plant is well-suited to cultivation in rock gardens, meadows, and open fields, but it should not be grown in heavy clay soils. To foster optimal growth, plant Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. stipitatus seeds in the late fall or early winter, approximately six weeks before the first frost.
The seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately one-eighth of an inch and spaced approximately one-half inch apart. After planting, water the soil lightly and ensure that it remains moist throughout the germination period. Once the plants have reached a height of four to six inches, thin them out to a spacing of six to eight inches to promote better air circulation and reduce the incidence of fungal disease.
Watering Needs:
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. stipitatus is drought-tolerant and requires only minimal watering. During extended droughts, however, it may be necessary to water the plants once a week, providing enough water to moisten soil to a depth of two inches. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization:
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. stipitatus is a low-maintenance plant that requires only minimal fertilization. In general, it is unnecessary to fertilize the soil before planting. However, if the soil is poor, you can incorporate a small amount of compost or organic fertilizer into the planting area before sowing the seeds. Fertilizer is typically not needed after planting, as the plant thrives in soil with low to moderate fertility.
Pruning:
Pruning of Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. stipitatus is generally not necessary. This plant is a fast grower and will often produce blooms in its first year. If desired, however, the plant can be deadheaded after flowering to promote additional blooms or to preserve the plant's attractive foliage. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers before they form seeds. This redirects the plant's energy to other areas and promotes longer blooming periods.
Propagation of Plagiobothrys stipitatus
Plagiobothrys stipitatus (Greene) I.M. Johnston var. stipitatus, commonly known as pussy paws, is a perennial plant species that can be propagated using several methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and division of roots.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most common way of propagating Plagiobothrys stipitatus. The plant produces seeds in the summer, which can be collected and stored until the next planting season. The seeds should be sown in the fall in a well-prepared soil bed. They need to be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered regularly. The plants will usually germinate in about two weeks, and they can be transplanted to a permanent position when they have three to four leaves.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Plagiobothrys stipitatus can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings need to be taken from the plant in the spring or early summer before it begins to flower. The stem should be about two to three inches long, with one or two leaves. Remove the lower leaves and insert the cutting into moist soil up to half of its length. Keep the soil moist and mist the cutting regularly until it begins to grow roots. The new plant can be transplanted to a permanent position when it has grown enough roots to support it.
Propagation by Division of Root
Another method of propagating Plagiobothrys stipitatus is by dividing the roots. This method is best carried out in the spring. Dig up the entire plant and carefully divide the root ball into two or more sections using a sharp knife. Each section should have several shoots and a good amount of roots. Replant each section into a well-prepared soil bed and water it well. The new plants should be kept well-watered until they are established in their new positions.
Disease Management
Plagiobothrys stipitatus is susceptible to several diseases, including fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases affecting this plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These diseases can cause significant damage to the plant if not treated promptly.
Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that is characterized by white powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage this disease, use a fungicide that is specifically designed to control powdery mildew.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease appears as small brown or black spots on the leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots can merge and cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves as soon as possible. Apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that infect the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilted stems. To manage this disease, remove infected plants and their roots. Avoid overwatering and plant in well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Several pests can damage Plagiobothrys stipitatus, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce yield if not controlled.
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to yellow and wilt. They also excrete honeydew, which can attract ants and lead to black sooty mold. To manage aphids, use insecticides, or spray the plant with a mixture of soap and water to physically remove them.
Spider mites: These tiny, spider-like pests feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. They can reproduce quickly, damaging large areas of the plant in a short period. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips: These small, slender insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to become distorted and discolored. They can also spread viruses between plants. To manage thrips, use insecticides, or hang sticky traps near the plant to trap them.
