Origin
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl. belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Common Names
The common names for Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi include Toumey’s groundsel and San Francisco River ragwort.
Appearance
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 60 cm in height. It produces a basal rosette of leaves that are deeply divided and lobed. The stems are erect, glabrous, and usually branched. The plant's flowers are numerous and small and are arranged in a corymb-like inflorescence. They are yellow in color and have a diameter of about 8-12 mm. The plant's fruit is an achene that has a pappus of feathery bristles.
Uses
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi has several uses in traditional medicine. Native American tribes have traditionally used the plant to treat respiratory diseases, such as coughs, colds, and asthma. It is also used as a diuretic and to treat stomach pains. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Light
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi prefers full sun exposure, although it can tolerate partial shade in the hottest regions. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature
This plant grows best in mild temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F). However, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F) and as low as -10°C (14°F).
Soil
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi prefers well-drained soils with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Sandy loam or rocky soils are ideal, while clayey soils can lead to poor drainage. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl. is a hardy, drought-resistant plant. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade and in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Propagation can be done via seeds or stem cuttings. If using seeds, plant them in well-draining soil, and keep them moist until germination. For stem cuttings, remove a healthy stem from the plant, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until roots form, and then transplant it to a larger pot or outside in the garden.
Watering Needs
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl. is a drought-resistant plant that can survive in low-water conditions. However, it does require consistent water during the establishment period, which is typically the first growing season. Water the plant once a week until it is established, and then reduce watering to once every two to three weeks.
Avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to root rot and other issues. On average, the plant requires about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season.
Fertilization
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl. does not require much fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring and once in the fall. Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to promote blooming.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as that can lead to excessive growth that weakens the plant and makes it more susceptible to disease and pests.
Pruning
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl. does not require much pruning. However, if you want to maintain the plant's shape and size, prune it in early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches and any branches that are crossing or rubbing together.
During the growing season, pinch back the tips of the branches to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Propagation of Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl.
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl. is commonly known as Toumey's Ragwort or the Toothed Mountain Ragwort. This herbaceous perennial plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky, mountainous habitats. Propagation of this plant can be achieved by seed or division.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl. can be collected in the fall when they are mature and dry. The seeds are small, light and have a pappus that aids in their dispersal. Before planting, the seeds should be cleaned and stratified to break their dormancy. This can be achieved by storing the seeds in a cool, moist environment for several weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl. by division is an alternative to seed propagation. This method involves separating the plant into sections and planting them separately. This is usually done in the spring when the new growth appears. The plant should be lifted carefully, and the root system should be gently separated into sections. Each division should have a healthy root system and a portion of the top growth. The divisions can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they establish.
Disease and Pest Management for Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl.
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi (Greene) T.M. Barkl. is susceptible to several diseases and pests, which can significantly affect its growth and overall health. Effective disease and pest management practices are essential to maintain the plant's health and vitality.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi is fungal leaf spot. This disease is caused by several fungal species and causes the leaves to develop spots that may turn yellow or brown and eventually drop off. To manage fungal leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and debris from around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide to help prevent further infection.
Another common disease is powdery mildew, which can cause a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. This disease is caused by several fungal species and can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant, reducing humidity levels, and applying a fungicide as needed.
Common Pests
Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi is susceptible to several pests, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can feed on the plant's leaves and cause wilting, discoloration, and stunted growth. To manage these pests, regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation, remove any infected leaves, and apply an insecticide as needed.
Another pest that can affect this plant is the whitefly, which feeds on the plant's sap and can cause stunted growth and leaf yellowing. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps to monitor infestations, remove infected leaves, and apply an insecticide as needed.
Summary
In summary, Senecio neomexicanus Gray var. toumeyi is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can significantly affect its growth and overall health. Effective disease and pest management practices such as improving air circulation, monitoring for infestations, removing infected leaves, and applying appropriate fungicides and insecticides as needed are essential to maintain the plant's health and vitality.
