Origin
Scorzonella laciniata (Hook.) Schultz-Bip. var. bolanderi (Gray) Jepson is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the western United States, specifically California and Oregon.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Bolander's scorzonella or Bolander's cudweed. Other common names include lacy-composite cudweed and fern-leaved cudweed.
Uses
Scorzonella laciniata var. bolanderi is used in traditional Native American medicine as a treatment for various ailments, including colds, headaches, and stomachaches. The leaves of the plant are also eaten by livestock.
General Appearance
Scorzonella laciniata var. bolanderi is a small annual or biennial herb that grows up to 30 centimeters tall. It has fern-like leaves that are highly divided, giving them a lacy appearance. The leaves are green, hairless, and alternate along the stem. The flower heads are small and inconspicuous, with white ray flowers and yellow disk flowers. The plant prefers well-drained soils in open areas, such as grasslands and meadows.
Light requirements
Scorzonella laciniata var. bolanderi prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but growth and blooming may be reduced.
Temperature requirements
This plant is native to California and thrives in coastal areas where temperatures are mild and moderate. It prefers cool to warm temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F during the day and 50°F to 60°F at night. Extreme heat or cold can damage or kill the plant.
Soil requirements
Scorzonella laciniata var. bolanderi prefers well-draining, sandy soils or loams that are rich in nutrients. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic with a range of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate poor soil but may have stunted growth if soil fertility is too low. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to promote healthy growth and blooms.
Cultivation Methods
Scorzonella laciniata var. bolanderi is a native plant to the Western United States. It prefers well-drained soils, especially those that are rocky or sandy. The plant grows best in areas with full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade. It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.
Watering Needs
Scorzonella laciniata var. bolanderi does not require a lot of watering, and it can be tolerant of periods of drought. However, if grown in a pot, it should be watered more frequently than if grown in the ground. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases, so be cautious when watering.
Fertilization
Scorzonella laciniata var. bolanderi does not require heavy fertilization. However, it will benefit from light applications of fertilizer during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilization with an NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Scorzonella laciniata var. bolanderi. However, if you notice any dead or diseased growth, it should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of disease. In addition, pruning can help shape the plant and control its size.
Propagation Methods for Scorzonella laciniata (Hook.) Schultz-Bip. var. bolanderi (Gray) Jepson
Scorzonella laciniata (Hook.) Schultz-Bip. var. bolanderi (Gray) Jepson is generally propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division.
Seeds
Seeds are the primary method for propagating Scorzonella laciniata. The seed pods are small and can be collected when mature, which is typically in late summer. The seeds should be sown in the fall or winter and kept moist but not waterlogged. They will then germinate in the early spring.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Scorzonella laciniata. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and out of direct sunlight until they have rooted.
Division
Scorzonella laciniata can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The plant should be carefully dug up and the root system divided into sections. Each section should have a healthy portion of roots and leaves. The sections can then be transplanted into individual containers or into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Scorzonella Laciniata (Hook.) Schultz-Bip. var. Bolanderi (Gray) Jepson
Just like any other plant, Scorzonella laciniata (Hook.) Schultz-Bip. var. bolanderi (Gray) Jepson can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common problems that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Scorzonella laciniata can be prone to different types of fungal infections. These can cause leaf spots, powdery mildew, or blight, which can weaken the plant and reduce its yield. To avoid such problems, you should keep the leaves dry and provide proper ventilation. Remove any infected or dead leaves and destroy them to prevent the infection from spreading. You can also use fungicides to control the infection, but be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
Bacterial Diseases: Scorzonella laciniata can also suffer from bacterial infections, such as bacterial leaf blight or wilt. These can cause wilting, yellowing, or necrosis of the leaves and stems. To prevent such problems, you should remove any infected plant parts and destroy them. You can also use copper-based fungicides to control the bacteria, but again, read the instructions carefully and avoid using too much.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that can feed on the leaves and suck the sap, causing deformities and discoloration. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the aphids, but avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides that can harm the beneficial insects.
Spider Mites: Spider mites can also attack Scorzonella laciniata and cause damage to the leaves. They are small, reddish-brown insects that can spin webs on the plants. To manage them, you can use predatory mites or insecticidal soap. You can also increase the humidity by misting the plants, which can reduce the mite population.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that can feed on the leaves and flowers of Scorzonella laciniata, causing yellowing and stunted growth. You can control them by using yellow sticky traps or insecticidal soap. Avoid using systemic insecticides that can harm the beneficial insects.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can keep Scorzonella laciniata healthy and productive.
