Origin
Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén, commonly known as Yukon saw-wort, is a plant species native to the Yukon territory, Northwest Territories, and Alaska. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, also known as the daisy family.Common Names
The common name for Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis is Yukon saw-wort, which is derived from the unique saw-toothed leaves of the plant.Uses
The plant has numerous medicinal properties and has been used by First Nations people to treat various ailments. An infusion made from the roots has been used for treating colds, coughs, and fevers, while the leaves are used topically to relieve pain and inflammation. The Yukon saw-wort has also been used as a natural insect repellent.General Appearance
The Yukon saw-wort is a perennial plant that can grow up to 40 cm in height. Its stems are erect and covered in soft, thick, and sticky hairs. Its leaves are lance-shaped with toothed edges, and they are arranged alternately on the stem. The plant produces large clusters of white or pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in midsummer. The Yukon saw-wort thrives in moist and shady areas, and it is commonly found in subalpine and alpine zones in North America.Growth Conditions for Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén
Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén, commonly known as the Yukon or sticky alpine daisy, is a perennial herb found in high altitude valleys and mountainsides in western North America. The plant is well-suited to grow in harsh environments, and it exhibits certain growth conditions that allow it to thrive in these conditions.
Light Requirements
The Yukon alpine daisy prefers full sun or partial shade and is tolerant to intense sunlight. As a result, it can be found thriving in barren slopes, scree, talus, and exposed ridges where other plants cannot grow. It also grows well in open meadows and in conifer forests.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in cold and subarctic regions and is adapted to low temperatures. It experiences frost many nights throughout the growing season. The soil temperature below the plant can be below freezing even in the summer, and the cold temperatures do not appear to limit the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Yukon alpine daisy grows well in a wide range of soils, including shallow and rocky soil types. It is well-adapted to moderately to strongly acidic soils (pH 4.5 to 6). The plant grows in low soil nutrient conditions, and it is adapted to rocky soil types that are well-drained and low in organic matter. In areas where it grows, the plant can be an important source of soil stability in regions prone to landslides.
In summary, the Yukon alpine daisy can survive in harsh environments characterized by intense sunlight, low temperatures, and low soil nutrient conditions. The plant is adapted to the cold and subarctic regions, and it can grow in a wide range of soils, including rocky soil, and moderately to strongly acidic soils.
Cultivation Methods
The Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén is a perennial plant that grows best in dry, rocky terrains that mimic its natural habitat. This plant can thrive in both full sunlight and partial shade.
The best time to plant this species is in the spring or fall, when the temperature is cool and moist. When preparing the soil for planting, ensure that it is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. The soil should also have a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.0 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
The Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén plant requires minimal watering since it is adapted to surviving in dry conditions. Overwatering this species can result in root rot and other diseases, which can significantly affect its growth and development.
Water the plant deeply once a week, or when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch, and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Additionally, avoid getting water on the leaves and stems of the plant, as this can promote the growth of fungus and bacteria.
Fertilization
Fertilizer application on the Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén plant should be minimal to prevent overfeeding and scorching of the leaves. During the growing season, apply a slow-release fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in small amounts.
You can also apply organic fertilizer, such as compost or manure, in the spring, which will provide the plant with essential nutrients and improve soil quality.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén plant, as it has a naturally compact and rounded growth habit. However, you can remove any dead or wilted leaves to improve the appearance of the plant and prevent the spread of diseases.
You can also remove any spent flower heads to promote new growth and help the plant redirect its energy to other parts of the plant. Avoid pruning during the fall, as this can stimulate new growth, which may not develop fully before the onset of winter.
Propagation of Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén
Propagating Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén involves different methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds, which should be collected when they are ripe. The seeds should be sown in soil. Germination of the seeds usually occurs in the following spring.
Division
Propagating through division can be done by carefully dividing the plant's rhizomes and separating them into individual plants. The divided rhizomes should be planted in a suitable growing medium, and the plants should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they start to grow.
Cuttings
The plant can also be propagated through cuttings. For this method, a stem is cut from the adult plant. The cutting should be planted in a suitable medium, and the soil should be kept moist. After some time, roots will form, and the cutting will develop into a new plant.
In conclusion, propagating Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén is an easy process. The plant can be propagated through seeds, division or cuttings.
Disease Management
The Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén plant is susceptible to various diseases that can compromise its growth and survival. These diseases include:
- Fungal infections: These are the most common diseases that affect the plant. They include powdery mildew, leaf spot, stem rot, and root rot. To manage fungal infections, remove infected plant parts and ensure the plant has adequate air circulation and sunlight. Apply a fungicide as needed.
- Viral infections: These diseases are challenging to manage and can cause severe damage or death to the plant. Symptoms of viral infections include yellowing and deformation of leaves. To prevent viral infections, always use clean and disinfected tools when handling the plant.
- Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth in the plant. To manage bacterial infections, remove infected parts of the plant and dispose of them. Avoid over-watering the plant and practice good hygiene when handling the plant.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack the Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén plant and damage its leaves, stems, and roots. These pests include:
- Aphids: These pests are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant sap and can cause stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. To manage aphids, remove them by hand or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These pests are tiny, slender insects that feed on the plant sap and cause silvery patches on the leaves. To manage thrips, use sticky traps or spray the plant with insecticide.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant sap and can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant, spray the plant with water, or use insecticidal soap.
- Root-knot nematodes: These pests are microscopic worms that live in the soil and can cause galls and deformations in the plant roots. To manage root-knot nematodes, use resistant plant varieties, practice crop rotation, and avoid over-watering the plant.
Regular monitoring and quick action can prevent severe damage to the Saussurea viscida Hultén var. yukonensis (Porsild) Hultén plant and promote its healthy growth.
