Overview
Pyrrocoma crocea (Gray) Greene var. crocea is a stunning perennial plant with bright yellow blooms that belong to the Asteraceae family. It is also commonly known as the golden fleece, goldenweed, or Kelseya crocea.Origin and Distribution
Pyrrocoma crocea var. crocea is native to North America, specifically to the western regions of the United States and Canada. It is commonly found in areas with well-drained soil, including open meadows, plains, scrublands, and rocky slopes.Description
Pyrrocoma crocea var. crocea typically grows up to 12-30 inches tall. It has long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow from the base of the plant and up the stem. The bright yellow blooms are approximately one inch in diameter and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowerheads are composed of both ray and disk flowers, with the ray flowers spreading outwards to give the bloom a daisy-like appearance.Uses
The Pyrrocoma crocea var. crocea plant is a popular ornamental plant because of its bright yellow blooms, making it a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape. It is also used in traditional medicine by Native Americans to treat a range of ailments such as colds, fever, and inflammation. In addition, the plant's roots have been used as a natural dye to produce a gold or yellow color for clothing, baskets, and rugs.Cultivation
Pyrrocoma crocea var. crocea is relatively easy to grow. It requires well-draining soil and full sun. It also prefers slightly acidic to alkaline soil with a pH range of 5.5 - 7.5. The plant can be propagated through seeds or root divisions. It is a great addition to a wildflower garden and attracts butterflies and other pollinators.Light Requirements
Pyrrocoma crocea var. crocea prefers full sun exposure, but it can also tolerate light shade. However, the plant will produce fewer flowers if grown in shady conditions. In areas that experience hot summers, it is recommended to provide afternoon shade to prevent the plant from getting stressed.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is adapted to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate both extremely low and high temperatures. However, Pyrrocoma crocea var. crocea prefers a cool environment with temperatures ranging from 43°F to 68°F. During the winter, the plant can survive under snow cover, while in the summer, it can tolerate high temperatures of up to 86°F.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. It is essential to use a soil blend that has a high organic matter content. The plant can also grow in nutrient-poor soils such as gravelly and rocky soils. However, it is essential to add fertilizers or organic matter to the soil for optimal growth.
Cultivation
Pyrrocoma crocea (Gray) Greene var. crocea, commonly known as orange goldenweed or sulfurflower, is a perennial plant native to North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and prefers well-drained soils.
It is recommended to cultivate this plant in areas with full sun exposure. The plant can also tolerate partial shade, but blooming may be adversely affected.
Propagation can be done through seeds, cuttings, or division of mature plants. Seeds should be sowed in the spring on damp soil and should be buried 1/8 inch deep. Once seedlings emerge, they should be thinned to 8-10 inches apart. Cuttings should be taken in the summer and should be about 4 inches in length. The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of peat and sand.
Watering Needs
Pyrrocoma crocea requires moderate watering levels. It is recommended to water it once or twice a week, especially during dry spells. Care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as it can lead to root rot.
It is recommended to water the plant at the base, ensuring that water penetrates the soil to the root level. Sprinkling water on the leaves may lead to the development of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Pyrrocoma crocea does not require frequent fertilization. However, applying organic fertilizers in the early spring can improve the quality and quantity of blooms. Organic fertilizers also enrich the soil with essential minerals and promote the growth of beneficial microbes.
A light application of balanced fertilizer can also be applied during the growing season to facilitate healthy plant growth. Care should be taken to avoid overfertilization, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth, at the expense of blooming.
Pruning
Pruning of Pyrrocoma crocea should be done after the blooming season is over. Deadheading spent flowers promotes the production of new blooms and prevents the plant from self-seeding. Pruning can also stimulate fresh growth and enhance the plant's shape.
It is recommended to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Care should also be taken not to remove more than one-third of the plant's foliage at once, as it can stress the plant and affect its bloom production.
Propagation of Pyrrocoma crocea (Gray) Greene var. crocea
Propagation of Pyrrocoma crocea (Gray) Greene var. crocea is typically achieved through seed propagation and division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Pyrrocoma crocea (Gray) Greene var. crocea require stratification to break dormancy. The seeds can be sown shallowly and lightly covered with soil. The seeds should be kept moist and in a cool place. Germination can take place within four to eight weeks.
Division
Division of Pyrrocoma crocea (Gray) Greene var. crocea is best done in the spring. The plant can be easily divided by digging up the plant and separating the rhizomes. The separated rhizomes can then be replanted in a new location.
It is important to keep the soil moist for the first few weeks after transplanting.
Disease and Pest Management for Pyrrocoma Crocea var. crocea
Even though Pyrrocoma Crocea var. crocea is a relatively disease-resistant plant, certain environmental or management practices can cause disease susceptibility. Insects and pests, on the other hand, can be seasonal and may cause considerable damage if not managed efficiently. Hence, implementing effective preventive measures and management strategies can safeguard against damages to the plant.
Common Diseases Affecting Pyrrocoma Crocea var. crocea
One of the commonly encountered diseases in Pyrrocoma Crocea var. crocea is fungal leafspot caused by Cercospora or Septoria. The disease causes circular brown spots with yellow halos on the leaves' surface. Eventually, the spots coalesce and cause significant defoliation. To manage the disease, one should ensure good air circulation, reduce leaf wetness, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides such as copper-based compounds may also be applied during the early stages of the disease to prevent its spread.
The plant can also suffer from root rot, a fungal disease caused by soil-borne pathogens such as Phytophthora and Pythium. The disease causes yellowing, wilting, and collapse of the plant, primarily if the soil is excessively waterlogged. To prevent the disease, the plant should be grown in well-draining soils, and the site's drainage should be adequate.
Common Pests Affecting Pyrrocoma Crocea var. crocea
The most common pests affecting Pyrrocoma Crocea var. crocea include aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Aphids and spider mites are small sucking insects that can cause direct damage to the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. They can be controlled using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils. Cutworms, on the other hand, are caterpillars that eat the plant's stem near the soil surface, causing the plant to fall. The use of cutworm collars around the stem base can prevent cutworms from causing damage to the plant.
Implementing cultural control practices such as monitoring, sanitation, and crop rotation can significantly minimize pest and disease infestations. Early identification of pest or disease on the plant, timely intervention, and appropriate management strategy implementation can protect Pyrrocoma Crocea var. crocea from damages, ensuring healthy growth and optimum yields.
