Overview
Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii (Small ex Macoun) Hultén is commonly known as Macoun's knotweed or viviparous knotweed. It is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. This plant is native to North America and can grow up to 20 cm in height at maturity.
Appearance
The leaves of Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii are lance-shaped, narrow, and elongated, measuring between 2-6 cm long. The flowers grow in dense clusters at the ends of the stems and are usually white or pink. The stem is green, wiry, and sparsely branched due to its creeping nature, which allows it to form dense mats in wet and alpine tundras.
Uses
Macoun's knotweed has traditionally been used for its medicinal properties. The roots contain astringent compounds that can be used to stop external bleeding and treat diarrhea. Additionally, some indigenous North American cultures have used the plant to treat lung ailments. The plant's leaves and stems are also consumed raw or cooked as a source of nutrition for animals and humans in tundra regions. Furthermore, the plant's creeping habit helps to control soil erosion, making it a useful plant for ecological restoration projects.
Cultivation
Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including acidic and alkaline soils. This plant requires moist well-drained soil, full sunlight or partial shade, and cool temperatures. It can be propagated by seed or vegetatively by dividing the root ball and transplanting.
Light Requirements
Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii typically grows in full sun to partial shade. When planted in a shady area, the plant may not flower as well as it would in a sunnier location.
Temperature Requirements
Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii is a hardy plant that thrives in cooler temperatures. This plant is native to subarctic and alpine areas, so it is well-suited for temperatures that range from 32°F to 65°F (0°C to 18°C).
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-drained soils that range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 6.0 to 7.4). Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii can tolerate rocky and gravelly soils, as well as wet soils, making it an ideal choice for areas near bodies of water. Additionally, this plant prefers a soil that is high in organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii (Small ex Macoun) Hultén, commonly known as Macoun's bistort, is a herbaceous perennial plant that thrives in cool temperatures and moist soil. It is native to North America and is suitable for cultivation in gardens and outdoor landscapes.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant grows well in zones 2-7 and is winter hardy. It can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C).
The plant can be propagated by division in early spring or fall. To propagate, the clump of the plant should be carefully dug up, and the root ball separated into smaller individuals. The separated plant divisions should then be planted back in the soil.
Watering Needs
Macoun's bistort requires regular watering to keep the soil moist during the growing season. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive short periods of dryness, but prolonged drought can harm the plant.
It is advisable to water the plant deeply once a week, especially during dry periods. Watering should be done in the morning to allow enough time for the foliage to dry before nightfall. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Fertilization
Macoun's bistort requires fertilization to thrive. It can be fertilized in early spring before new growth appears or in the fall after the plant has died back. A balanced slow-release fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is recommended.
Fertilizer application should be done sparingly to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. It is also recommended to use organic fertilizers such as compost or well-aged manure to improve soil fertility and texture.
Pruning
Macoun's bistort requires minimal pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can promote more blooms and increase the aesthetic appeal of the plant. Deadheading should be done by cutting back the flower stems to the base of the plant after flowering.
The plant can also be cut back to the ground in fall after the foliage has died back. This will encourage new growth the following year and help keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation methods for Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii
Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii, commonly known as alpine bistort or viviparous knotweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to alpine and subalpine regions in North America. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii. The seeds of this plant can be collected in autumn when they are ripe. They should be stored in a cool, dry place until the spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown in pots or trays filled with a moist, well-draining soil mix that contains a good amount of organic matter. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until they germinate, which may take up to two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, they can be transplanted into their permanent location in the garden.
Division propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. It is best done in early spring or late autumn. The clump should be dug up carefully and divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has some roots and shoots. The divided plants can then be replanted into their permanent location in the garden. It is important to keep the newly replanted sections well-watered until they become established.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is a more challenging method for Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii. It can be done in early spring or autumn. The stem cuttings should be about 10cm long and taken from the base of the plant. The leaves can be removed from the lower end of the cutting, leaving only the top three or four leaves. The stem should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to ensure a high level of humidity. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until they start developing roots, which may take up to six weeks.
Disease Management for Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii
Some common diseases that might affect Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii include leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot, and downy mildew. To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain good plant hygiene by removing fallen leaves and other debris that can harbour disease-causing organisms.
In case of leaf spot, affected plants should be sprayed with a fungicide. Infected leaves must be pruned and discarded properly. To prevent powdery mildew, plants should be exposed to full sun and well-ventilated growing conditions. A sulfur-based fungicide can also be sprayed on the affected leaves.
Root rot can be managed by making sure the soil drains well and is not waterlogged. One can promote soil drainage by amending the soil with perlite or sand. Avoid overhead irrigation and make sure the soil is allowed to dry out between watering to prevent root rot.
Downy mildew can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing good air circulation around the plant. Remove and discard any infected parts immediately. Copper-based fungicides can also be used to treat downy mildew.
Pest Management for Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii
The most common pests that might affect Polygonum viviparum L. var. macounii include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and slugs. To manage these pests, it is essential to regularly inspect the plants and take action as soon as you notice an infestation.
Aphids can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water. Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be applied for more severe infestations.
Mealybugs can be removed by wiping them off manually using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can also be used to remove mealybugs.
Spider mites can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water. They can also be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing predatory mites into the garden can also help control spider mite populations.
Slugs can be managed by removing any hiding areas around the plant and manually picking them off. Copper tape can be placed around the plant base to create a barrier that discourages slugs from crawling up. Slug baits or beer traps can also be used to control slugs.
