Origin
Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl. is a plant species that is native to North America, specifically found in the western regions of the United States and Canada. It can be found growing in rocky, open areas such as hillsides, talus slopes, and montane meadows.
Common Names
Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl. has several common names, including Sticky Cinquefoil, Nevada cinquefoil, and Silver cinquefoil.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes such as the treatment of wounds, fever, and sore throats. It has also been used in the treatment of rheumatism and skin diseases.
Modern herbalists have also found medicinal uses for Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl. It is recommended for use as an astringent, reducing inflammation and stopping bleeding.
General Appearance
Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl. is a low-growing perennial herb. It typically grows up to 10-20 cm tall and spreads through rhizomes to form dense mats. The leaves are deeply incised and palmately divided, with a rough texture. The flowers are small and yellow, growing in clusters at the top of the stems. The plant blooms from May to August, depending on the region, and produces fruit that consists of several achenes.
The plant is easily recognizable due to its sticky, glandular hairs that cover the stems, leaves, and flowers. The hairs give the plant a silvery appearance, earning it one of its common names, Silver cinquefoil.
Light Conditions
Potentilla glandulosa var. incisa requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to mountainous regions, so it is adapted to cooler temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F) and as high as 30°C (86°F) for short periods of time. However, it prefers cooler temperatures between 10-20°C (50-68°F) for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Potentilla glandulosa var. incisa prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. It does not tolerate heavy clay soils or waterlogged soils, so good drainage is essential. Additionally, it benefits from the addition of organic matter, such as compost or leaf litter, to the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl., also known as sticky cinquefoil, is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline and can tolerate both full sunlight or partial shade. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division in the early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Sticky cinquefoil requires moderate watering, with soil that is kept evenly moist during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other diseases. During the dormant season, the plant can tolerate dry soil, but make sure to keep an eye on the soil moisture level and water as needed.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize sticky cinquefoil in the early spring with a balanced, slow-release, granular fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging, and avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Sticky cinquefoil benefits from regular pruning to keep its shape and encourage new growth. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any crossing branches that may be competing for space. Additionally, after the plant has finished flowering in the summer, consider cutting back the stems to half their length. This will encourage bushier growth and potentially a second flush of flowers later in the season.
Propagation of Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl.
Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl. can be propagated through various means, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl. can be collected from the mature fruits during the fall season. It is important to ensure that the seed collection is done when the fruits are completely ripe to ensure maximum germination. The seeds can be directly sown onto a well-prepared seedbed during the fall season or early spring. The germination period usually takes about two to four weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into their permanent location after they have developed their true leaves.
Division Propagation
Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl. can also be propagated through plant division. This is usually done during the spring season just as new growth is starting to emerge. The plant clumps can be divided with a sharp, sterilized knife, ensuring that each division has its own root system and shoot. The divisions can then be planted into a well-draining growing medium and watered regularly until they have established themselves.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation can also be used for Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl. Cuttings should be taken in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the new growth of the plant and should be around 6-8cm long. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well drained growing medium. The cuttings should be watered regularly until they develop their own root system and are established enough to be transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl.
Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. var. incisa Lindl. is generally disease and pest resistant, but like any other plant, it is not completely immune to infestations. Below are the common diseases and pest problems that may affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Powdery mildew: This fungus appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant debris and by maintaining proper air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity. Fungicides may also be used as a last resort.
Leaf spot: This fungal infection typically starts as small, circular spots on the leaves that darken and spread over time. An effective way to manage leaf spot is by removing and destroying infected leaves, improving air circulation around the plant, and treating with a fungicide.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and die. Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests also feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off. They can be managed by washing the plant thoroughly with water and using a miticide or insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. They can be managed by picking them off by hand or using a natural insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Regular monitoring of the plant's health and timely intervention in case of disease and pest problems can help keep it healthy and thriving.
