Overview
Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii (Small) Hultén is a small perennial herb that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and is primarily found in the Appalachian Mountains. The plant has a unique appearance, and its leaves and flowers are commonly used in traditional medicine.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Funston's Saxifrage or Funston's Rockbreak. Its scientific name 'Saxifraga' is derived from the Latin words 'saxum' meaning rock and 'frangere' meaning to break. This refers to the plant's ability to break rocks apart as it grows.
Description
The Funston's Saxifrage is a small plant with a basal rosette of leaves that arise from a short rhizome. Its leaves are typically oval-shaped and may have small teeth located near the base. The plant's flowering stalks can grow up to 10 inches tall and produce small clusters of white, pink, or purplish flowers. The flowers are small, measuring around 0.25 inches in diameter, and have five petals.
Uses
The Funston's Saxifrage has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Native Americans once used the plant as a remedy for stomach problems, while early European settlers used it to treat coughs and colds. The plant contains several compounds with anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to alleviate pain and swelling caused by arthritis and gout. In addition to its medicinal uses, certain species of Saxifraga are also used in rock gardens as ornamental plants.
Light Requirements
Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii requires plenty of light to grow properly. It prefers bright, direct sunlight for most of the day and can tolerate partial shade in hot climates or during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold temperatures and frost. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 9, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as -50°F (-46°C) to 20°F (-6°C). However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 60°F (15°C) to 70°F (21°C).
Soil Requirements
Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils and can tolerate nutrient-poor soils. However, it requires good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.
Cultivation Methods
Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii (Small) Hultén is a mountain plant that prefers cool temperatures and thrives in well-draining soil. It is best grown in a rock garden or a similar habitat that mimics natural mountain environments.
The plant requires partial shade and is tolerant of cold weather. It can withstand temperatures of up to -30 degrees Celsius.
Propagation can be done through seed or division in the spring or fall. Sow seeds in trays, and keep them cold for 12 weeks before planting them in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Ensure that Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii (Small) Hultén soil is always moist, but not waterlogged. The plant does not tolerate drought well and should not be allowed to wilt before watering.
During the dry season, regular watering may be required to keep the plant’s soil moist. However, do not overwater, as this can cause root rot.
Water the plant early in the day to ensure that the leaves dry before nightfall. This will prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii (Small) Hultén is not a heavy feeder, and regular fertilization is not necessary. However, an annual application of a slow-release granular fertilizer can help improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth.
When applying fertilizer, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and susceptibility to disease and pest infestations.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii (Small) Hultén. However, it is recommended to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems as soon as possible to improve the plant's appearance and prevent the spread of disease.
If the plant outgrows its designated space, it can be divided and replanted in the same soil mixture to maintain its size and prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii (Small) Hultén
Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii (Small) Hultén, commonly known as Funston's saxifrage, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. Its propagation can be achieved through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The most common way to propagate Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii is through seed propagation. Seeds can be obtained by collecting them from mature plants as soon as the seed pods dry up. Seeds should be sown in a mix of equal parts of sand and peat moss, with seeds spread evenly on top of the mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and then mist them with water. Place the container in an area that receives indirect sunlight and maintain a temperature of around 15°C. Seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks.
Asexual Propagation
Another way to propagate Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii is by using vegetative propagation. This is often used by professional growers to maintain the genetic purity of their plants. This method involves taking cuttings from a healthy mother plant, usually in the summer when the plant is in an active growth phase. Cuttings should be around 10cm in length and should have at least 2-3 leaves on them. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone to promote root growth, then plant them in a mix of peat moss and vermiculite or perlite. Cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area until they root and begin to develop new growth, which usually takes around 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii (Small) Hultén is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the most common diseases and ways to manage them:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora saxifragae and can cause circular lesions on the leaves of Saxifraga bronchialis. The spots can be gray or brown and have a yellow halo. To manage leaf spot, remove all infected leaves and apply a fungicide spray containing copper or sulfur.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by various fungi and can cause a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves of Saxifraga bronchialis. To manage powdery mildew, use a fungicide spray containing neem oil or sulfur. You can also prevent powdery mildew by keeping the plants well-spaced and providing adequate air circulation.
Pest Management
Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii (Small) Hultén can also be attacked by pests that can reduce its yield and cause other problems. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves of Saxifraga bronchialis. They can be managed by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also use a strong spray of water to dislodge the mites from the leaves.
Slugs and snails
Slugs and snails can cause severe damage to the leaves and flowers of Saxifraga bronchialis. To manage them, use beer traps or iron phosphate baits. You can also handpick them in the early morning or late evening when they are most active.
By managing the diseases and pests that can affect Saxifraga bronchialis L. ssp. funstonii (Small) Hultén, you can ensure that your plant grows healthy and productive.
