Overview
Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus (Greene) Greenm. is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Mexico and the southwestern regions of the United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Mogollon ragwort or Apache ragwort.
Appearance
Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus has a short stature, growing up to 30 cm tall. The plant has a basal rosette of hairy leaves that are between 5 and 25 cm long. The plant produces a single stem with a few leaves that are arranged alternately up the stem. The stem has several flower heads that can range in color from yellow to orange. The flower heads are about 2 cm wide with many small, tubular flowers that are surrounded by a ring of yellow, petal-like ray flowers.
Uses
Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus has been used in traditional Native American medicine for treating various ailments, including digestive issues, coughs, and sore throats. The plant contains certain compounds that are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential candidate for medical research on new drug development.
The plant is also used as a habitat by various species of butterfly larvae and is attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies due to its colorful flowers.
Growth Conditions for Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus (Greene) Greenm.
Light: Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus grows best in areas with partial to full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade, but it may lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature: The plant is native to high elevations in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers cooler temperatures of around 60-70°F during the day and 30-40°F at night.
Soil: The plant grows well in well-draining sandy or gravelly soils. It is fairly drought tolerant, but it thrives in slightly moist soils. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
Water: Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus requires moderate water throughout the growing season. During dry periods, water weekly to keep soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot.
Fertilizer: The plant doesn't require much fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can benefit its growth and blooming.
Propagation: Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division. Seeds can be sown in the fall or spring, while cuttings are best taken in the summer.
Overall, Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus is a fairly low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, but it prefers well-draining soil, moderate watering, and cooler temperatures.Cultivation methods
Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus (Greene) Greenm. can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The ideal pH range for the plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures from 20°F to 100°F.
Watering needs
Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus (Greene) Greenm. requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and dry out. Watering should be done once a week or when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
Fertilization
Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus (Greene) Greenm. does not require heavy fertilization. However, you can use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to provide the plant with necessary nutrients. Fertilization should be done sparingly, as too much fertilizer can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Pruning
Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus (Greene) Greenm. requires minimal pruning. It does not need to be pruned for shape or size. However, you can remove any dead or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be done sparingly, as the plant can become leggy if pruned too often.
Propagation of Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus (Greene) Greenm.
Senecio actinella Greene var. mogollonicus (Greene) Greenm. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to the southwestern region of the United States. The plant is commonly known as Mogollon ragwort or Mogollon senecio. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds or division.
Propagation through seeds
Propagation through seeds is the easiest and most common method of propagating Mogollon senecio. The seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly in the soil or in seed trays. The seeds should be sown in a mix of well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate. Germination usually takes around 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have grown a few leaves. The new plants should be kept in a partly shady area until they have established themselves.
Propagation through division
Propagation of Mogollon senecio through division is a method used to multiply the plant quickly. The plant should be dug up and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a sufficient number of roots and shoots. The divided sections should be planted in well-draining soil and watered well. It is advisable to plant the new sections in a partly shady area until they have established themselves.
Disease Management
Senecio actinella var. mogollonicus is known to be relatively resistant to many pests and diseases but might still fall prey to some problems. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spots can occur due to fungal infections and can cause reduced growth, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. One way to manage leaf spots is by removing all the infected leaves and ensuring that the plant is not overcrowded. Spraying with a fungicide can also help control this disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by overly moist soil that harbors fungal pathogens. It can cause yellowing and wilting of the plant and eventual death. To manage root rot, move the plant to a more well-draining location and reduce watering frequency. Cutting off the infected roots might also help save the plant.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery substance on the plant's leaves. It can lead to yellowing, reduced growth, and eventually death. To control powdery mildew, prune any affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Applying a sulfur-based fungicide on the leaves can also help check its spread.
Pest Management
Here are some common pests that can affect Senecio actinella var. mogollonicus and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from plant leaves, degrading the plant and disfiguring its leaves. To manage aphids, spray with a strong jet of water to knock them off the plant. Applying neem oil on the plant can also help prevent aphids from settling in, as the oil works as an insecticide.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on plant sap, can multiply quickly, and cause leaves to discolor, dry up, and fall off. To manage spider mites, regular pruning, and disposal of affected leaves is important. Spraying with a soap solution can also help control their numbers.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny insects that feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. To manage whiteflies, remove any affected parts of the plant and dispose of them. Spraying with a pyrethrin-based insecticide can also help control their numbers and prevent further damage.
