Overview of Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (L.) A.& D. Löve var. horizontale (Desf.) Nesom
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (L.) A.& D. Löve var. horizontale (Desf.) Nesom, commonly known as the Calico aster, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to North America and grows throughout the eastern half of the United States and Canada. The Calico aster usually grows in open woods, meadows, and ditches.
Appearance of Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (L.) A.& D. Löve var. horizontale (Desf.) Nesom
The Calico aster stands 2-4 feet tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide. The leaves are lance-shaped, small, and smooth, while the stems are purplish and branch alternately. The plant produces clusters of small white or pink-rayed flowers that bloom from August to October.
Uses of Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (L.) A.& D. Löve var. horizontale (Desf.) Nesom
The Calico aster has several uses in traditional medicine. The plant was used by Native Americans to treat various ailments, including respiratory and digestive problems. It was also used as a natural dye for cloth and as an insect repellent.
In modern times, the Calico aster is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. The plant's attractive flowers and foliage make it a great addition to mixed borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.
Overall, the Calico aster is a hardy and adaptable plant that can be enjoyed for both its beauty and medicinal qualities.
Light Requirements
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale is a plant that can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. However, it performs best in full sun. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. In partial shade, it may grow taller but produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale is a hardy species that can survive in a range of temperature conditions. It prefers a mild to cool climate and can tolerate cold temperatures up to -40 degrees Celsius. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and is tolerant of both hot and dry weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale prefers well-drained soils that are fertile, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to loam. However, it does not thrive in heavy clay soils. The plant prefers soils that are moist but not waterlogged. It can be grown in a variety of soil moisture conditions, ranging from moderately dry soils to wet soils.
Cultivation Methods
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale, also known as the horizontal blue wood aster, is a vigorous native perennial plant that thrives in a wide range of growing conditions. To cultivate this plant, you need to find a sunny or partially shaded spot in the garden. The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and mildly acidic. Ensure that you remove any weeds or debris from the planting site.Watering Needs
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale requires regular watering, especially during its growth phase in spring and summer. Water the plant deeply once a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels, to promote healthy growth and prevent waterlogging. Avoid overhead watering, which can cause fungal diseases. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to water your plant instead.Fertilization
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale does not need much fertilization, but a light application of a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring can enhance its performance. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage, and water it thoroughly. Do not over-fertilize, as this can cause excessive growth and weaken the plant.Pruning
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale benefits from pruning, which promotes bushier growth and avoids flopping. Prune the plant back to about half its height in early spring before new growth appears. Alternatively, you can also pinch back the tips of the stems in late spring or early summer to encourage branching. Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming and keep the plant looking tidy.Propagation of Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale, commonly known as the "side-flowering aster," is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and is often found growing in wetlands, meadows, and along stream banks. The following are some of the propagation methods for this plant:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale. Collect the seeds from the mature plant in late summer or early fall. The collected seeds can be stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool and dry place until the spring. In the spring, sow the seeds in moist soil in a seed tray and keep them in a shaded area. Once the seedlings appear, transplant them into individual containers. Continue to grow the plants in containers, and after the last frost, plant them in well-draining soil in their permanent location.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method of growing Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale. Wait until the plant is mature enough, and the root system is well-established. Early spring is the best time to divide the plant. Carefully dig up the plant, and using a sharp knife, divide the plant into several sections, making sure that each section has some roots and shoots. Replant the sections in their permanent location, ensuring that the soil is well-draining and moist. Keep the newly transplanted plants shaded and watered until they establish.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation can also be used to propagate Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale. Take softwood cuttings from the plant in early spring and treat it with rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in well-draining soil in a covered container. Ensure that the soil is constantly moist, and the plant is kept in a shaded area. Once the cuttings develop roots, transplant them into individual pots, and keep them in a shaded area until they establish.
Propagation of Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale using any of the above methods is easy, and with proper care and maintenance, the plant can bring beauty to your garden for years to come.
Disease Management
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (L.) A.& D. Löve var. horizontale (Desf.) Nesom is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery growth on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately. Also, ensure proper air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes bright yellow or orange spots on the leaves. To manage rust, remove and destroy infected parts of the plant. Avoid overhead watering and ensure proper air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease causes wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth in infected plants. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
Pest Management
Some common pests that might affect Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (L.) A.& D. Löve var. horizontale (Desf.) Nesom include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to distort and curl. To manage aphids, spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators that can also help control aphids.
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves and damage to the plant. To manage mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Predatory mites and ladybugs can also help control mite populations.
- Leafhoppers: These insects can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage leafhoppers, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs, lacewings and spiders are natural predators that can also help control leafhoppers.
