Origin
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in several regions, including California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Common Names
This plant has several common names, including Cusick's ragwort, Cusick's senecio, and Cusick's groundsel.
Uses
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of respiratory problems such as coughs and bronchitis. The plant contains several alkaloids, including retrorsine, which has been found to have anti-cancer properties. However, caution should be exercised when using this plant, as it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to humans and animals.
General Appearance
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck is a small shrub that grows to a height of about 20-40 cm. The stems of the plant are covered with long, soft hairs. The leaves of the plant are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped, with a toothed edge. The flowers of the plant are yellow, and the plant blooms from June to August.
Light
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii grows best in full sun or partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some shade but may become leggy and less compact in these conditions.
Temperature
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii is native to regions that experience warm to hot temperatures. The plant grows well in USDA zones 7 to 10, where average temperatures range from 5°C to 35°C. In general, this plant cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below -5°C.
Soil
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii prefers well-draining soils that are moderately fertile. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils, as long as they are well-draining and do not become waterlogged. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5.
Cultivation Methods
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck is a drought-tolerant plant that requires well-draining soil. It flourishes in full sunlight to partial shade environments. Ensure that the plant receives sunlight for at least six hours every day to stimulate healthy growth. Grow it in a roomy pot with good drainage holes or a bed with fertile, well-draining soil for outdoor cultivation.
Watering Needs
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck is a tough plant that can thrive in dry environments. Water it regularly, but ensure that the soil dries out between watering sessions. Overwatering may cause root rot, one of the plant's most severe ailments. Water it moderately and make sure that the water drains out of the pot's holes to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck does not require frequent fertilization; however, it will benefit from regular feeding to help its growth and appearance. Fertilize the plant twice per month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Reduce feeding to once every two months during the dormant period to prevent fertilization burn.
Pruning
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck does not require frequent pruning. Remove dying leaves or stems and any other plant debris at the base of the plant. This promotes a healthier environment for the plant to grow while also preventing pests and diseases. Additionally, regular pruning encourages new growth and maintains the plant's appearance.
Propagation of Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck, commonly known as Cusick’s Ragwort, is a herbaceous plant that is native to North America. It is a member of the sunflower family and is primarily found in the western United States. The plant grows up to a height of 1-3 feet and has yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii is through seed. The plant produces a large quantity of seeds that are easy to collect. The best time to collect the seeds is when the flower heads have dried up and turned brown in color.
The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in pots. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.
Propagation by Division
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii can also be propagated by division. This method is best used for mature plants that have become too large or need to be rejuvenated. To divide the plant, carefully dig it up and separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy amount of roots and shoots.
The divided plants should be planted in well-draining soil at the same depth as they were previously planted. Water the plants thoroughly to help them settle in their new location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can also be successful for Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii. Take stem cuttings from the parent plant in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 3-4 inches long and have a few sets of leaves.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cutting should develop roots and start to grow within 4-6 weeks.
Overall, Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii is a hardy plant that can be easily propagated by seed, division, or cuttings. With proper care, this plant can thrive in many different growing conditions.
Disease Management
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular or angular spots on the leaves. The spots are usually brown or black with a yellow halo. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, prune infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow or orange pustules on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Senecio crassulus Gray var. cusickii (Piper) Greenm. ex Peck is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves. To manage these pests, wash them off the plant with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves and flowers. To manage these pests, use yellow sticky traps or insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing a stippled appearance. To manage these pests, wash the plant with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
