Origin and Common Names
Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom is commonly known as Bushy Aster or Aster dumosus, and is a perennial wildflower belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America, specifically found in the Eastern United States and Canada, stretching from Maine to Georgia and Alabama.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 2- 3 feet in height and spreads up to 1-2 feet. The stem is stiff, wiry textured, and branching, almost woody-like and can have a slight pinkish tinge to it. It has narrow, elongated leaves, which are dark green and smooth in texture.
The flowers are usually bright purple or lavender-blue, but can also be found in white or pink. They bloom in late summer to early fall, typically in clusters at the top of the stem and leaves, attracting bees and butterflies. This plant usually requires little maintenance and can adapt to various growing conditions, making it a popular choice in gardens and public spaces.
Uses
Bushy Aster is often used for decorative purposes in gardens, but it also has medicinal properties. The plant has been used to treat indigestion, diarrhea, and fever in traditional herbal medicine. Additionally, the plant's roots have been used as a substitute for coffee during the American Revolution and the Civil War. Nowadays, Bushy Aster is also used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it a popular and sustainable choice for landscaping projects.
Light Requirements:
The plant Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom prefers full sun to partial shade conditions for optimal growth. It requires at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, in hot summer conditions, protection from the scorching afternoon sun is needed.
Temperature Requirements:
For the optimal growth of Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom, moderate temperatures work best. It can adapt to a wide range of temperature conditions. Temperature ranges between 60 to 85°F (15 to 29°C) are ideal for this plant's optimal growth. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C) in winter.
Soil Requirements:
The plant Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom thrives in a variety of soil types. It can grow well in sandy, loamy, or clayey soils. It prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (6.0-7.0). This plant can also tolerate poor soils, but it will compromise its overall growth.
Cultivation
Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom is a versatile plant that can thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. It can grow in both full sun and partial shade, and it prefers well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. The best time to plant Symphyotrichum dumosum var. dodgei is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are mild.
Watering Needs
When establishing Symphyotrichum dumosum var. dodgei, it requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist but not wet. Once it is established, it can tolerate drought periods, but it still requires an average of one inch of water per week during the growing season. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Symphyotrichum dumosum var. dodgei does not require a lot of fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause it to produce more foliage than flowers. It is best to use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. Additionally, you can use a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help feed it throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Symphyotrichum dumosum var. dodgei requires minimal pruning. You can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more prolonged blooming, but this is optional. In the late winter or early spring, you can prune the plant back to about six inches above the ground to help promote more vigorous growth in the coming season. Furthermore, if the plant becomes too large or bushy, you can prune it back by up to one-third of its total height in late summer to early fall.
Propagation of Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom
Propagation is the process of multiplying plants from the existing ones. Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom is propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cutting, and division.
Seeds
The most common method to propagate Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature plants in the fall. The collected seeds must be stored in a cool and dry place. Sow the seeds in the spring, preferably in a pot. Keep the pot in a warm and bright spot. Once the seedlings have grown enough, transplant them to the desired location.
Stem Cuttings
Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom can also be propagated through stem cutting. Cut a few inches of stem from a healthy plant with a sharp blade. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot containing well-drained soil and keep the soil moist. Once the roots start emerging, transplant the cutting in a permanent location.
Division
The third method of propagating Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom is through division. Divide the mature plant in spring or fall months. Dig the entire plant out of the ground and separate the roots into sections using a clean and sharp knife. Each section must have shoots, roots, and leaves. Transplant the divided sections to their desired locations and keep the soil moist.
Disease and Pest Management for Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom
As with any plant species, Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management are important for promoting plant health and maximizing yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Phoma destructiva, is a common disease of Symphyotrichum dumosum. Symptoms include circular or irregular-shaped spots on leaves, often surrounded by a yellow halo. The spots may coalesce, causing premature leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant debris, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply a fungicide to protect healthy plants.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plant species, including Symphyotrichum dumosum. Symptoms include a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant debris, increase air circulation around plants, and apply a fungicide to protect healthy plants.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. Symptoms include distorted, curling leaves and a sticky residue on leaves and stems. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators, such as lady beetles and lacewings, spray the affected plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or simply blast the plant with a strong jet of water to knock the aphids off the plant.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that suck plant sap and spin webs on leaves and stems. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, increase air circulation around plants, spray the affected plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or release natural predators such as lady beetles and predatory mites.
With proper disease and pest management, Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) Nesom var. dodgei (Fern.) Nesom can continue to thrive and provide a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
