Overview
Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. is a type of herbaceous perennial plant. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is characterized by composite flower heads.
Origin and Distribution
This plant species is native to North America and can be found growing in various areas of the continent, ranging from Canada to Mexico. It typically thrives in dry, open habitats, such as prairies and meadows. It is notably found in the states of Montana, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California.
Common Names
This plant is commonly referred to as Tolmie's goldenrod, balsamroot-leaf goldenrod, or sticky goldenrod. The name "Tolmie's goldenrod" honors the Scottish-Canadian physician and botanist William Fraser Tolmie, who collected botanical specimens in the Pacific Northwest region of North America during the 19th century.
Uses
The leaves and flowers of Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana have various medicinal uses. For example, the Navajo people traditionally use the plant extracts to treat fever, coughs, and colds. In addition, the plant is commonly used in the landscape and cut flower industry due to its bright yellow flowers and late-season blooming. Moreover, its seeds serve as a food source for songbirds and forest rodents.
General Appearance
The plant typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet and has an upright, branching stem. The leaves are elongated and shaped like a lance, with serrated edges. The flowers are bright yellow and arranged in elongated clusters at the end of branches. The plant's roots are semi-woody and have a tendency to spread horizontally. The plant blooms from late summer to early fall.
Typical Growth Conditions for Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq.
Plants of Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. typically grow in dry to moist meadows, open woods, forests, and disturbed areas at elevations ranging from 30 to 3,000 meters above sea level (masl) in North America, particularly in British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, and Oregon.
Light Requirements
Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. prefers full sun to light shade. In shaded areas, the plant tends to have fewer flowers and grow taller and more sparsely than in sunny areas.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is cold-hardy and can tolerate frost. The temperature range for successful growth is from -34 to 30 degrees Celsius (-30 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Plants that grow at higher elevations or latitudes in the range may have shorter growing seasons due to colder weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, typically between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant is well-suited to dry, nutrient-poor soils, and may have difficulty growing in overly fertile soils or those with high nitrogen content.
Cultivation Method
Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers to grow in full sun but can also grow in partial shade. It is a low maintenance plant that can be grown from seed or propagated through division.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. are relatively low. The plant can tolerate some drought but does better when the soil is kept consistently moist. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
When it comes to fertilization, Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. does not require a lot of fertilizer. Adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the early spring can help promote healthy growth. Additionally, adding a layer of compost to the soil once or twice a year can help improve soil quality.
Pruning
Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. typically does not require pruning. However, if the plant becomes too tall or leggy, it can be trimmed back by cutting just above a set of leaves. Deadheading can also be done to promote additional blooming throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq.
Propagation of Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. can be done successfully through various methods. Here are some propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. Seeds can be collected from the plant during its blooming season. Wait for the flowers to dry before harvesting the seeds.
Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. seeds require warm stratification before germination. This means that they need to be exposed to a warm temperature for a specific period before they can germinate. Germination usually takes place after 3 to 4 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. is through stem cuttings. Collect cuttings from the plant's stem during its growth phase. Make sure to use a clean cutting tool when obtaining cuttings.
Prepare a potting mix with perlite and vermiculite, and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in the potting mix and water them thoroughly. Keep the pot in a well-lit location but out of direct sunlight.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is the safest and easiest way to propagate Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq. This method involves separating the plant clumps into smaller sections and planting them in different pots.
Divide the plant when it becomes too crowded, and the roots start to grow from the bottom holes of the container. To divide the plant, carefully lift it out of the pot, and separate the smaller clumps gently with your hands. Each clump should have enough roots and stems to grow on its own.
Disease and Pest Management for Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana (Gray) Cronq.
Solidago missouriensis Nutt. var. tolmieana, commonly known as Tolmie's goldenrod, is a hardy plant that is relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, there are a few potential threats that gardeners should be aware of.
Diseases
The most common diseases that can affect Tolmie's goldenrod are fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery coating that appears on the leaves, while rust is characterized by raised, rusty-colored bumps or pustules.
To manage fungal diseases, it's important to maintain good air circulation around the plant by planting it in a spot with good sunlight and spacing it out from other plants. If you notice signs of powdery mildew or rust on your plant, remove any affected leaves and dispose of them to prevent the disease from spreading. Additionally, you can try spraying the plant with a fungicide labeled for use on goldenrods.
Pests
The most common pests that affect Tolmie's goldenrod are aphids and leafhoppers. Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and yellow, while leafhoppers can cause yellowing and scorching of the leaves.
To manage these pests, you can try spraying the plant with an insecticidal soap or oil, or you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to eat the pests. Additionally, maintaining a healthy plant by fertilizing and watering it properly can make it more resilient to pest attacks.
Overall, by practicing good garden hygiene and being vigilant for signs of disease and pests, you can keep your Tolmie's goldenrod healthy and thriving.
