Origin
Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell, also known as Yerba de la Selva, is a species of mint that is endemic to California in the United States.
Common Names
Yerba de la Selva is the most commonly used common name for Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell. It is also sometimes referred to as Douglas’ Pogogyne or Coastal Bogmat.
Uses
Indigenous peoples of California have used Yerba de la Selva for centuries for its medicinal properties. Its leaves and stems can be brewed into a tea that is said to soothe the body and mind. Additionally, the leaves can be chewed to help relieve headaches and other types of pain. The plant is also used in some cultural ceremonies.
General Appearance
Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell is a small, herbaceous shrub that grows up to 30 cm tall and can spread up to 45 cm wide. Its leaves are typically hairy and are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The plant produces small, pink or lavender flowers that bloom throughout the summer and into the fall. Yerba de la Selva requires moist soil and partial to full sun.
Light Requirements
Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to California, where it grows in coastal areas and foothills. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers mild to warm temperatures between 60-80°F. Extreme heat or cold can stress the plant and affect its growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Ideally, the soil pH should be between 6.0-7.5.
Cultivation Methods
Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell thrives in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in sandy or clay soils. The plant can be grown from seed, micropropagation, or stem cuttings. If growing from seed, they need to be stratified for three weeks at 4 degrees Celsius. The plant will reach maturity in two years.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate water, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out. Water the plant once a week, or more frequently in hot weather conditions. Avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Apply slow-release fertilizer in the spring or early summer when the plant begins to grow actively. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost, which adds organic matter to the soil and promotes healthy growth.
Pruning
Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell is a low-growing plant that does not require pruning. However, if you notice dead or damaged leaves, remove them to prevent the spread of disease. In the fall, you can cut back any leggy branches to promote bushier growth in the following season.
Propagation methods of Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell
There are two common methods for propagating Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell: seed propagation and stem cutting propagation.
Seed propagation
The plant's seeds can be collected from the plant in the late summer or early fall, when the capsules containing seeds have matured and started to dry. The seeds are then stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring, when they can be planted in well-draining soil.
To prepare the seeds for planting, they should be soaked in water for 24-48 hours prior to planting. The soil should be moist before planting, and the seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch. The seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks if the soil is kept consistently moist.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cuttings can be taken from the Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell plant in the spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from the tip of a healthy stem and should be 2-4 inches long. Any leaves on the cutting should be removed, except for the top two or three.
The cuttings should be immediately placed in a container with moist soil and should be kept in a shaded area. Mist the cuttings with water every few days to keep them from drying out. Within 2-3 weeks, the cuttings should start to show new growth, indicating that they have successfully rooted.
Disease and Pest Management for Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell
Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell is not widely known to be particularly susceptible to any specific plant diseases or pests. However, as with any plant, there is the possibility of issues arising. Below are some common issues that gardeners may encounter:
Diseases
One common disease that may affect Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove all infected plant material and ensure adequate air circulation around the plant. Additionally, using a fungicide can help control the spread of the disease.
Pests
There are several pests that may pose a threat to Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell, including:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause distortion or curling of the leaves. To manage an aphid infestation, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the insects and use an insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing or bronzing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plant with water to create a humid environment and use an insecticidal soap.
- Cutworms: These larvae feed on the stem of the plant and can sever the stem, killing the plant. To manage cutworms, apply a barrier of diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant and use a pesticide specifically designed to control cutworms.
By being vigilant and taking steps to manage any issues that arise, gardeners can successfully grow Pogogyne douglasii Benth. ssp. minor J.T. Howell with healthy and vibrant results.
