Description
Seseli scopulorum, also known as rock lovage, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is characterized by its erect stem that grows up to 50 centimeters in height and is highly branched. The stem and the leaves of the plant are bluish-green, and the leaves are finely dissected and almost fern-like in their appearance. The plant produces small, white flowers arranged in umbels, measuring about 2.5 mm in diameter. The fruit is an oblong, flattened, and slightly curved schizocarp that measures approximately 4 mm in length.
Origin and Distribution
Seseli scopulorum is native to western North America and can be found in the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. This plant primarily grows in rocky, desert-like areas at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,400 meters above sea level.
Common Names
In addition to rock lovage, Seseli scopulorum is also commonly known as mountain parsley, tansy-leafed rock parsley, and American parsley.
Uses
Various Native American tribes have utilized the plant in traditional medicine for treating gastrointestinal issues, as well as using the roots to treat toothaches. Seseli scopulorum also has potential ornamental uses, considering its finely dissected, attractive foliage and small white flowers. However, it is not commonly used for this purpose. There are no known culinary uses for this plant.
Light Requirements
Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns. is a plant that requires full sun to grow properly. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Lack of sunlight can result in stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is able to thrive in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9, which means it can withstand minimum temperatures from -23.3 °C (-10 °F) to -6.7 °C (20 °F). The ideal temperature range for this plant is around 15 to 30 °C (59 to 86 °F).
Soil Requirements
Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns. prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil should be rich in nutrients with good water holding capacity. Sandy or loamy soil types provide better drainage to the plant and are recommended. It is better to avoid heavy clay soils that retain water as it may cause the plant to rot.
Cultivation Methods
Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns., also known as Rocky Mountain Moon Carrot, is a perennial plant that grows well in temperate regions. It loves well-drained soils with good organic matter and a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The plant is highly tolerant to drought, and its optimal growth occurs in sunny locations with good air circulation.
To grow Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns., you should start by planting the seeds in early spring or late summer. Sow the seeds in trays filled with good quality compost and keep them in a sunny location. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them outdoors leaving a spacing of about 30 cm between each plant.
Watering Needs
Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns. is drought tolerant and can thrive in dry conditions. However, proper watering is still essential for optimal growth and development. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to a depth of about 5 cm. Avoid overwatering the plant to prevent the roots from rotting due to waterlogging.
Fertilization
Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns. doesn't require much fertilization. However, to stimulate healthy growth and development, you can fertilize the plant once a year. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10. Apply the fertilizer in early spring just before new growth appears.
Pruning
Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns. doesn't require much pruning. However, you can remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking neat and tidy. It's also important to remove any spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Prune the plant in late autumn or early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns.
Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns. can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings. Here are the details of each propagation method:
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns. should be collected when they are fully matured, which usually happens during late summer or early fall. After collecting the seeds, they should be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be sown.
Before sowing the seeds, they need to undergo a process called stratification. This involves keeping the seed in a moist and cold environment for a specific period. For Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns., a period of six weeks of cold stratification is required.
After the stratification period, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 to ¼ inch and kept moist, but not wet. The ideal temperature for germination is between 60 and 70°F.
Propagation through Cuttings
Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method is typically done during the late spring or early summer.
Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be 3-4 inches long. The cutting should contain at least 2-3 nodes and no flowers or buds. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only a few at the top.
The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone, then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots start to form, usually within a few weeks. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground if the conditions are favorable.
Disease and Pest Management for Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns.
Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns. is a hardy plant that grows well in different seasons and soil conditions. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to some diseases and pests. Therefore, the following are some common diseases and pests that affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Powdery mildew: This disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is caused by a fungal infection and can lead to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage powdery mildew, you can use a fungicide. Ensure you apply the fungicide early during the onset period to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
Sclerotinia: This disease is caused by a fungus that affects the roots, leaves, and stems of the plant. It causes wilting and yellowing of the plant. To control the spread of the disease, remove and destroy infected plants immediately. Avoid planting the same crop or family of crops in the same location for at least two seasons.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and wilting of the plant. Use insecticidal soap to manage aphids. Alternatively, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs to feed on the aphids.
Cabbage loopers: These caterpillars chew holes in the leaves of the plant, leading to significant damage. One way to manage cabbage loopers is by using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) pesticide, which is toxic to the larvae. You can also place sticky traps around the plants to trap adult moths.
By taking appropriate measures to manage pests and diseases, you can protect your Seseli scopulorum C.C.Towns. plant and ensure that it remains healthy and productive.
