Scutellaria Bolanderi Gray ssp. Austromontana Epling
Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling is a rare and endemic plant species that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is commonly known as Bolander's skullcap or austromontane skullcap and can be found in the southern Coast Ranges and Transverse Ranges of California, USA.
Appearance
The Bolander's skullcap is a small plant that typically grows up to 80 cm tall. It has an erect and branched stem, with slightly hairy and often glandular leaves. The plant's flowers are blue, purple, or lavender, and have a distinct two-lipped shape. The lower lip is elongated and projects outward, while the upper lip is flat and surrounded by a hooded sepal. The flowers are arranged in loose clusters and bloom from May to August.
Uses
The Native American tribes who were living around the areas where the plant is found traditionally used the Bolander's skullcap for various medicinal purposes, including treating headaches, fever, and anxiety. Recent scientific studies have also suggested that the plant contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties. However, the plant is extremely rare, and any harvesting or use should be done with caution and under the guidance of a trained professional.
Light requirements:
Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling prefers to grow in areas where it receives partial shade to full sun. It is a plant that can tolerate different levels of light and thrives well in environments with varying amounts of sunlight.
Temperature requirements:
Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling can thrive in different temperature ranges. It is adapted to grow in cool, subtropical conditions, and can tolerate occasional freezes. Temperature ranges from 5 to 30 degrees Celsius are suitable for the plant. The plant can also grow in areas with hot summers and cold winters.
Soil requirements:
Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling prefers to grow in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. It thrives well in acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. It is essential to avoid waterlogging as it may lead to root rot, which can cause the plant's death.
Cultivation
Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling is a perennial herbaceous plant that is mostly found in rocky areas, chaparral, and oak woodlands. This plant requires well-draining soil and can grow in both full sun and part shade. It can tolerate various soil types but prefers sandy, loamy soil. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9.
The best time to plant Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling is in the early spring or fall. Make sure the planting area has good drainage and add organic matter to the soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant the Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling in the hole, filling it with soil and pressing it firmly around the base of the plant. Water the plant after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
Watering Needs
The Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling prefers soil that is evenly moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, which is mostly in spring and fall. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate. During hot, dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering to prevent it from drying out.
Fertilization
The Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling does not require much fertilizer, but it can benefit from a slow-release balanced fertilizer applied in early spring and again in late summer. The use of a fertilizer that contains higher levels of nitrogen or phosphorus should be avoided. Before applying any fertilizer, it is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Pruning
The Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling does not require much pruning. Deadheading the plant after blooming can help promote continued blooming. Any diseased or damaged stems or leaves should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. If the plant becomes too leggy or overgrown, it can be pruned back to its base in the fall to encourage fresh growth in the spring.
Propagation of Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling
Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling can be propagated through several methods. Apart from seeds, the plant can also be propagated through cuttings and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The plant produces tiny seeds, which can be collected for propagation. The seeds can be sown in trays or pots with well-draining soil. They should be watered regularly, and the soil kept slightly moist. Germination can take up to four weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location once they are large enough to be handled.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be around 4 inches long and taken from the softwood of the plant. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be placed in moist soil. The soil around the cuttings should be kept moist, and a plastic cover can be added to the tray or pot to create humidity. The cuttings should root in around four weeks and can be transplanted once they have been established.
Propagation through Division
The plant can also be propagated through division in the spring or autumn. The plant should be lifted gently, and the root ball divided into smaller sections with a sharp knife or spade. Each section should have some roots and shoots. The sections can be replanted in their permanent location and watered thoroughly. The new divisions should be kept moist until they are established.
Disease Management
Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling is a native perennial plant in North America and can often become infected with various diseases. The most common diseases which might affect Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling are listed below:
- Rust: This is a fungal disease and is identified by small, yellow-white spots on the leaves. Over time, these spots grow larger and turn rust-brown. The best way to manage rust is to remove infected leaves.
- Bacterial Blight: The symptoms of this disease include small, water-soaked spots on leaves, which will eventually turn into blackened lesions. The best way to manage bacterial blight is to remove and destroy infected leaves and stems.
- Anthracnose: This is caused by a fungal pathogen and attacks leaves, stems and flowers. It is characterized by small, brown or black circular spots on the leaves and stems, which can eventually lead to defoliation. The best management practices for anthracnose are to maintain good drainage and air circulation around the plant and to remove infected plant tissues.
Pest Management
Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling can also be susceptible to damage from various pests. The most common pests and ways to manage them are listed below:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects and often cause the plant to become stunted or discolored. They can be managed using insecticides, or by spraying the plants with a strong stream of water to wash them away.
- Mites: Mites are tiny, spider-like arachnids and can cause significant damage to the plant. The feeding of mites can cause the leaves to become speckled and discolored. The best management practices for mites are to use insecticides, or to spray plants with water to remove the mites from the foliage.
- Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that suck the plant sap and cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Insecticides can be used to manage them, or the plants can be sprayed with water to remove them.
Overall, regular inspection and detection of pest and diseases and subsequent quick response to them can ensure the healthy growth of Scutellaria bolanderi Gray ssp. austromontana Epling.
