Overview
Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis, also known as necklace pod or yellow necklace pod, is a native plant of the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Fabaceae (bean) family and is a common sight along the coastal plains of Florida, Texas, and the Gulf Coast. This plant has a shrub-like appearance and is valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties.Appearance
The plant grows up to 3-4 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, forming a round shape. The leaves are dark green, alternate, and compound with 5-8 leaflets. The flowers are small, bright yellow, and bloom in the spring. The fruit is a flat pod, one to two inches in length, and is light brown in color. The pod is segmented and the seeds inside are black.Uses
Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis is widely used for ornamental purposes due to its striking appearance. It adds a pop of color to gardens and can be used as a beautiful hedge or border plant. The leaves and pods of the plant contain compounds that have significant antibacterial and antifungal properties. They have been used medicinally to treat various skin infections and wounds. The plant has also been known to have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects, making it a popular alternative treatment for arthritis and joint pain.Common Names
Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis is commonly known as necklace pod or yellow necklace pod due to its unique appearance. It is also referred to as silver bush, Florida sophora, or coastal sophora.Light Requirements
The Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely plant typically requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shade, but growth and flowering may be stunted in low-light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to warm, subtropical climates and can tolerate heat well. Temperatures between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit are optimal for growth. However, the plant can tolerate colder temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but it may become dormant during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely plant requires well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.0-7.5. The plant can tolerate sandy or loamy soils, but it thrives in soils rich in organic matter. The addition of compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation methods for Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely
Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely can be propagated either through seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sown in the early spring in a seedbed or directly into the soil. Place the seeds no deeper than 1/4 inch into the soil and water them well. Cuttings should be taken in the summertime and treated with rooting hormone before planting. They should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they root.
Watering needs for Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely
This plant prefers to grow in slightly dry soil, so it does not require frequent watering. Water the plant once a week during the summertime and less frequently in the wintertime when the plant is dormant. Water deeply, allowing the soil to absorb as much moisture as possible. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can promote fungal growth.
Fertilization of Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely
Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a slow-release fertilizer once in the early spring. If the plant looks like it needs a boost, feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Excessive fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth, reducing flowering.
Pruning tips for Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely
The best time to prune Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely is in the late winter or early spring while the plant is still dormant. Cut back any dead or damaged branches, and thin out overcrowded stems. Prune out any crossing branches or water sprouts, as they can reduce airflow in the center of the plant, leading to disease. To keep the plant looking neat, trim it after flowering to remove spent blooms, but be careful not to remove too much foliage, as this can reduce future flowering.
Propagation of Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely
Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely, also known as necklace pod, is a woody plant that is native to the southeastern United States. This plant can be propagated through a variety of methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating necklace pod is through seed propagation. Seeds should be collected from mature pods in the fall and stored in a cool, dry place until planting in the spring. The seeds should be scarified (i.e., scratched or nicked) and then soaked in water for 24 hours before planting in a well-drained soil mix. The seeds should be covered with soil and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 6-8 weeks.
Cuttings
Necklace pod can also be propagated through hardwood cuttings taken in the late fall or early winter. Cuttings should be taken from the woody portions of the plant and be approximately 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a sheltered location until new growth appears, indicating successful rooting.
Division
An additional method of propagation is through the division of mature plants. The plant should be dug up and separated into smaller sections. Each section should contain a portion of the root system and some new growth. The new divisions should be immediately replanted in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until new growth appears.
Overall, necklace pod is a relatively easy plant to propagate through any of the above methods. With proper care and attention, new plants can be established quickly and easily.
Disease Management
Gray mold, also known as Botrytis cinerea, can affect Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely. The fungus can infect the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant causing them to rot. The disease can be managed by removing the infected parts of the plant and discarding them. It is also important to keep the surrounding area clean and dry to prevent the spread of the fungus. The use of fungicides can also be effective in controlling gray mold.
Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora sophorae, can cause leaf discoloration and premature leaf drop. The disease can be managed by removing the infected leaves and applying fungicides to prevent further infection. It is also important to maintain proper plant spacing and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Root rot, caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi, can affect the roots of the plant, leading to wilt and eventual death. The disease can be managed by avoiding overwatering and ensuring proper soil drainage. The use of fungicides can also be effective in controlling root rot.
Pest Management
The caterpillars of the Genista Broom Moth, Uresiphita reversalis, can feed on the leaves of Sophora tomentosa L. var. occidentalis (L.) Isely. The pest can be managed by handpicking the caterpillars and disposing of them. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling the caterpillars.
The lace bug, Corythucha marmorata, can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves of the plant. The pest can be managed by removing the infested leaves and applying insecticides to prevent further infestation. It is also important to maintain proper plant hygiene and keep the surrounding area clean to prevent the lace bug from spreading.
The spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, can cause webbing and yellowing of the leaves of the plant. The pest can be managed by spraying the plant with water to remove the mites and their webs. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling the spider mite.
