General Description
Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii (S. Wats.) Kearney & Peebles, commonly known as the Lemmon's Cinquefoil, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. The plant produces multiple stems that typically range from 30 to 70 cm in height. The stems are slender and covered with fine hairs. The leaves of the plant are pinnately compound, and each leaf contains about five to seven leaflets. The plant blooms from May to August and bears small yellow flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter.
Origin
Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii is native to North America and is found in the western United States and southwestern Canada. The plant is commonly found in open meadows, rocky slopes, and forest clearings at elevations between 1000 to 3400 meters.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Lemmon's Cinquefoil, Sierra Cinquefoil, or simply as the Hairy Cinquefoil. The common names are derived from the plant's location and the fine hairs that cover the stems and leaves.
Uses
Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii has several uses. The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as sore throats, coughs, and diarrhea. The roots of the plant are also used to make a tea that can be used to treat menstrual cramps. The plant is used by some indigenous communities in North America for basket weaving. The plant is also used in landscaping as it is an attractive plant that produces bright yellow flowers that add color to gardens and meadows.
Light Requirements
Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii thrives in areas with full sun exposure to partial shade. They require ample sunlight to produce flowers and maintain healthy growth. However, too much direct sunlight may cause the plant's leaves to wilt and dry out.
Temperature Requirements
This variety of Potentilla crinita Gray grows best in areas with a cool climate. They prefer temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15.6°C to 23.9°C). These plants can tolerate some frost and can continue to thrive even in moderately cold weather.
Soil Requirements
Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii requires soils with good drainage, preferably composed of gravelly or sandy soils. These plants can adapt to different levels of soil pH, but they generally grow best in slightly acidic soils with a range of pH 6.0 to 7.0. They prefer soils rich in organic matter and can tolerate some level of drought once established.
Cultivation
Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii (S. Wats.) Kearney & Peebles, commonly known as Lemmon's cinquefoil, is a perennial herb that grows in moist meadows, borders of streams, and in wooded hillsides. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-8 and prefers full sun or partial shade.
The plant prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It can tolerate acidic to alkaline soils, but a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal. The soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii depend on the prevailing weather conditions and the quality of soil drainage. During dry spells, deep watering once per week may suffice. During the rainy season or periods of persistent humidity, check on the soil's moisture level to avoid root rot.
When in doubt, use the finger test. Probe the soil using your finger to determine if the soil is moist. If the soil is dry 1 to 2 inches deep below the surface, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
Fertilization
Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii does not require much fertilization. Excessive nutrient levels can cause soft growth, which leads to a susceptibility to pests and diseases.
You could lightly fertilize the plant during the growing season using organic fertilizer or compost tea. This should be done once every 6 weeks or so to encourage strong growth and flowering. Avoid applying fertilizer during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii is essential to promote good shape, healthy growth, and to maintain full blooms. The plant should be pruned in the late fall, after flowering. Cut back the stems to 6 inches or so above the soil level. This will encourage strong, bushy, and healthy growth the following season.
If the plant becomes untidy with time, older stems can be removed in the early spring. This should be done before the new growth of the season, as the plant needs time to recover before the active growing period.
Propagation of Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii (S. Wats.) Kearney & Peebles
Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii (S. Wats.) Kearney & Peebles, commonly known as Lemmon's cinquefoil, can be propagated via seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii can be collected in late summer or early fall when they turn brown and are easily detachable from the plant. The seeds can then be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted in the spring.
Before planting, the seeds should be scarified or stratified to overcome their dormancy. Scarification can be done by lightly rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or by soaking them in warm water for 24 hours. Stratification involves placing the seeds in a moist medium such as sand or peat moss and storing them in a refrigerator for several weeks to simulate winter conditions.
Once the seeds have been scarified or stratified, they can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and the seedlings should emerge in 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can also be taken from Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii in the spring or early summer. Select a healthy stem with several nodes and cut it just below a node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. Cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag to increase humidity and place it in a warm, bright location. After a few weeks, new growth should appear, indicating that roots have formed. The new plant can be transplanted once it has become established.
Disease Management
Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii is quite resistant to diseases, but there are still some fungal and bacterial infections that may affect the plant. The most common diseases include:
- Rusts: These are fungal diseases that usually affect the leaves, causing yellow or orange spots on the upper surface and brown or black spots on the lower surface. Rusts can spread quickly, especially in moist conditions, and may lead to defoliation.
- Leaf Spots: Many fungi may cause leaf spots on Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii, which appear as small necrotic areas on the leaves. The spots may merge and cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes irregular dead areas on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Anthracnose can cause severe damage during humid and wet weather conditions.
To manage these diseases, remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them immediately. Also, enhance the airflow around the plant by pruning and thinning the branches. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliage from remaining damp for an extended period, as this increases the chance of fungal infection. In case of severe infection, use a fungicide recommended by a professional.
Pest Management
Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii is susceptible to various pests, such as:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant sap and secrete honeydew, which may attract ants. Aphids usually cause stunted growth, curled and distorted leaves and flowers, and yellowing.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny arachnids that suck the plant sap, causing yellow or bronze foliage, stippling, and webs during severe infestations.
- Caterpillars: Some moth larvae feed on Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii leaves and may cause defoliation.
To control pests, use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, such as releasing natural enemies, such as ladybugs or lacewings, applying insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oils, or picking off pests by hand. Also, avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides that may harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
Regular monitoring and early intervention are crucial for effective disease and pest management in Potentilla crinita Gray var. lemmonii.
