Plant Description:
Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck is a herbaceous plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the western region of North America and is commonly found in dry areas, such as sagebrush and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Common Names:
The common name of Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa is Sticky Goldenrod due to its sticky stem, leaves, and inflorescence. It is also known as Sierra Nevada Goldenrod or Gumweed.
Uses:
The Native American tribes used Sticky Goldenrod for medicinal purposes to treat indigestion, colds, and coughs. They also used it as a poultice to treat skin infections and wounds. The plant extracts of Solidago species have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Sticky Goldenrod has also been used for ornamental purposes and is a popular choice for native plant gardens because of its drought tolerance and attractive yellow flowers.
General Appearance:
Sticky Goldenrod is a perennial plant that can grow up to 60 cm in height. It has a woody base and thin stems that are sticky due to glandular hairs. The leaves are small, narrow, and spathulate-shaped, giving the plant its scientific name. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in elongated clusters with numerous florets. The flowering period ranges between June and August in its native habitats.
Growth Conditions for Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck
Light: Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck requires full sunlight to thrive. It grows best in open areas such as meadows, fields, and along roadsides that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: The plant is native to the United States and is found in regions that experience a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate temperature extremes, from hot summers to cold winters. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 13°C to 24°C, but it can survive temperatures as low as -28°C.
Soil: Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or gravelly soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly-drained soils. The plant is sensitive to salt and cannot tolerate saline soils.
Water: The plant requires moderate water but can tolerate periods of drought once it is established. It is a drought-tolerant plant and can withstand dry conditions due to its deep root system. The plant should not be over-watered as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilizer: Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck does not require a lot of fertilizer. It can grow well in nutrient-poor soils. However, adding organic matter to the soil can improve soil fertility and plant growth. The plant is sensitive to high levels of nitrogen, so it is recommended to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Cultivation methods
Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck is a native plant of North America that grows best in full sun to partial shade. It is an adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, but it does prefer well-drained soil. This plant can be propagated by seeds or division in the spring.
Watering needs
While Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck is drought tolerant, regular watering is still necessary to promote healthy growth. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck is not a heavy feeder and will generally thrive without the need for fertilizer. However, if your plant appears weak or pale, you can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Avoid fertilizing in the fall as this can encourage new growth that may be damaged by winter frost.
Pruning
Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck does not require extensive pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can help promote new growth and extend the blooming period. If your plant becomes overcrowded or leggy, you can prune it back in the spring. This plant tends to spread, so it is important to monitor it regularly and remove any unwanted runners as needed.
Propagation of Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck
Propagation of Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck can be done through both sexual and asexual methods. The plant is mainly propagated by seeds, but it can also be propagated through division and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The best time to collect Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck seeds is in the fall when the plant has fully matured. The collected seeds should be placed in a cool, dry place until spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and then transplanted outdoors once the weather permits. Germination of Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck seeds usually occurs in 2-3 weeks, and the plants should be ready for transplanting after 2-3 months.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck through division can be done in the early spring or fall. The plant should be dug up, and the roots should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should contain a healthy shoot and root system. The divided sections should be replanted immediately, and they will establish themselves over time.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck through stem cuttings can be done in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches long, and they should be taken from healthy plants. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they develop roots. Once the roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted outdoors.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that might affect Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck, including:
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease affects leaves, stems, and flowers, causing powdery white or gray growth on the surface of the plant. To manage the disease, it is important to remove infected plant parts and increase air circulation around the plant.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular, dark spots on leaves. To manage the disease, it is recommended to keep the plant dry by watering at the base of the plant and avoiding getting the leaves wet.
- Rust: Rust appears as small, yellow-orange pustules on the underside of leaves and can cause leaves to drop prematurely. To manage the disease, it is important to remove infected plant parts and to provide proper air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
There are several pests that might affect Solidago spathulata DC. ssp. glutinosa (Nutt.) Keck, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause distortion and stunting of plant growth. To manage the pest, it is important to regularly monitor the plant and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations are present.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are also sap-sucking insects that can cause leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage the pest, it is important to increase humidity around the plant and introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
- Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails can cause damage to leaves and flowers by feeding on them. To manage the pest, it is recommended to handpick and remove them or to use slug and snail bait.
