Overview
Psilostrophe tagetina (Nutt.) Greene var. grandiflora (Rydb.) Heiser is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant species is also known as large-flowered woolly-white and is native to North America, especially the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Appearance
Large-flowered woolly-white is a perennial herb with stems that grow up to 40 centimeters in height. The plant's leaves are silver-gray, woolly, and alternate. The plant produces large, showy, yellow flowers with a diameter of up to 5 centimeters. The yellow flowers have many petals and a prominent central disk.
Uses
Psilostrophe tagetina (Nutt.) Greene var. grandiflora (Rydb.) Heiser has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. The plant contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The plant has also been used as a source of food by indigenous peoples. The seeds of the plant are edible and were ground into flour to make bread. The plant is also an important source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
Common Names
Large-flowered woolly-white is also known by several common names, including woolly paperflower, largeflower woollywhite, and woollywhite.
Growth Conditions for Psilostrophe Tagetina var. Grandiflora:
Light: This plant requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: This plant is native to hot and dry regions of North America, particularly the desert regions. Therefore, it is adapted to high temperatures and is tolerant to heat. It grows well in temperatures ranging from 60°F-90°F (15°C-32°C) during the day. At night, the temperature can be cooler, ranging from 30°F-60°F (-1°C-15°C).
Soil: Well-drained and sandy soil is ideal for the growth of Psilostrophe tagetina var. grandiflora. It prefers soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods of dry weather. However, it does require occasional watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth and flowering.
Fertilizer: Fertilizer is not necessary for the growth of this plant. However, adding a small amount of nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season can help boost growth and increase the number of flowers produced.
Propagation: This plant can be grown from seed, which should be sown directly in the soil in early spring, after the last frost. Psilostrophe tagetina var. grandiflora typically grows best when left undisturbed and does not require regular pruning.
Cultivation Methods
Psilostrophe tagetina (Nutt.) Greene var. grandiflora (Rydb.) Heiser is a hardy perennial plant that grows well in dry climates and is flexible enough to adapt to different soil types. This plant thrives in regions with well-draining, sandy soils and is known to tolerate both high heat and frost. When planting, ensure to allocate enough space between the plants, leaving at least 2-4 feet between each seedling.
Watering Needs
The plant is known to have low to moderate watering needs, with established plants only requiring watering after long dry spells. Typically, it is wise to water the plant deeply but infrequently, and avoid overwatering, which may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Psilostrophe tagetina (Nutt.) Greene var. grandiflora (Rydb.) Heiser does not require regular fertilization, and too much fertilizer may negatively affect its growth. If necessary, it is best to add well-rotted manure, compost, or other organic matter to the soil before planting or during the early growth stages.
Pruning
Pruning of Psilostrophe tagetina (Nutt.) Greene var. grandiflora (Rydb.) Heiser is not necessary, as it is a naturally well-behaved plant with a compact growth habit. Simply remove any damaged or dead growth, and, during the flowering season, remove any spent blooms to encourage more blooming.
Propagation of Psilostrophe Tagetina (Nutt.) Greene Var. Grandiflora (Rydb.) Heiser
Psilostrophe tagetina (Nutt.) Greene var. grandiflora (Rydb.) Heiser, commonly known as Great Plains paperdaisy, can be propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and clonal propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Psilostrophe tagetina var. grandiflora. The plant produces a large amount of seeds, which are easy to collect and store. The best time to collect the seeds is after the plant has finished flowering. The seeds should be collected when the seed heads turn brown and start to open, revealing the fluffy, white seeds.
After collecting the seeds, they should be stored in a cool, dry place until ready for planting. To plant the seeds, they should be sown in the spring after the last frost. They can be sown directly into the ground or in pots. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered regularly. Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days.
Clonal Propagation
Clonal propagation is another method of propagating Psilostrophe tagetina var. grandiflora. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant and rooting them to create new plants. The best time to take cuttings is in the early summer when the plant is actively growing.
To take cuttings, select a healthy, young shoot that is free from disease or damage. Cut a 4-6 inch section from the shoot, making sure there are at least two nodes on the cutting. Remove the leaves from the bottom node and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-drained soil and keep it moist. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted to a permanent location after it has established roots.
Disease Management
Psilostrophe tagetina (Nutt.) Greene var. grandiflora (Rydb.) Heiser is generally a problem-free plant and is relatively resistant to most diseases. However, there are a few fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect the plant. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Leaf Spot: This is a common fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid watering the plant from above.
- Crown Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the crown of the plant. It causes the plant to wilt and die. To manage crown rot, remove infected plants and do not replant in the same spot. Improve soil drainage to prevent future incidences of crown rot.
- Root Rot: This is also a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It causes the plant to wilt, and the leaves turn yellow. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, do not overwater, and avoid planting the plant in compacted soil.
Pest Management
Psilostrophe tagetina (Nutt.) Greene var. grandiflora (Rydb.) Heiser is generally a problem-free plant and has no major pest problems. However, there are a few pests that can occasionally attack this plant. The most common pests that affect this plant are:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests on many plants, including Psilostrophe tagetina (Nutt.) Greene var. grandiflora (Rydb.) Heiser. They suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water regularly to reduce the population of mites.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can occasionally attack the plant, causing damage to the foliage. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand when observed, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
