Origin
Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz., commonly known as Lapland dandelion, is a perennial plant in the family Asteraceae. It is mostly found in the Nordic countries, in the tundras and high mountain areas of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia.
Common Names
Lapland dandelion is the most common name of the plant. Other names include arctic dandelion and mountain dandelion.
Uses
The Lapland dandelion has some medicinal uses. It has been used traditionally to treat liver ailments, including jaundice and hepatitis. It is also thought to help stimulate digestion and boost appetite. The plant's leaves are edible and have been used in salads, stews, and soups. The root is also used to make herbal tea.
Appearance
The Lapland dandelion is a low-growing plant that forms rosettes of leaves. The leaves are lance-shaped and have deeply notched margins. The flowers are yellow, with ray florets that are up to 2.5 cm long. The achene fruits are about 4 mm long and have a feathery pappus. The plant has a taproot that can reach up to 30 cm deep.
Growth conditions for Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz.
Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. is a species of flowering plant that is commonly found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. It is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Asteraceae.
Light
Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. is adapted to grow in areas with low levels of sunlight due to the long dark winters in the Arctic region. It prefers to grow in full to partial shade and can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours a day.
Temperature
It is well adapted to grow in cold temperatures, and it can survive temperatures as low as -50°C. It prefers to grow in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C during the growing season. The plant goes dormant during the winter months when the temperature drops below freezing.
Soil
Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. prefers moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter and slightly acidic. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant can tolerate nutrient-poor soils but does not grow well in soils with high salinity or alkalinity.
Overall, Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. is a hardy plant that can grow in harsh environmental conditions. Its ability to adapt to low sunlight, cold temperatures, and nutrient-poor soil makes it well-suited for growth in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
Cultivation of Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz.
Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. thrives in areas with cool climates and moist soils like those found in damp meadows, wet moorland, or along water courses. It can be cultivated as a perennial herb and added to gardens as a decorative plant or a source of food and medicine.
The plant requires well-draining soil, and if grown in containers, it should have ample drainage holes to prevent root rot. Ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.5.
The best season to plant Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. is in the spring after the last frost date when the soil is warm. The most popular way of starting the plant is through seeds, which can be sown in open beds or containers. It can also be propagated by dividing the roots or transplanting seedlings.
Watering Needs of Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz.
Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. requires consistent moisture to grow well. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to waterlogging, which is harmful to the roots.
Fertilization of Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz.
As a perennial herb, Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. thrives even in poor soils; however, it can benefit from regular fertilization to improve the quality of foliage and flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer, 10-10-10, in the growing season, following manufacturer instructions for application rates. Avoid excessive nitrogen as it can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning of Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz.
Pruning Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. is not necessary for optimal growth. However, deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to emerge. Removing the old flowers will also prevent the plant from self-seeding and becoming invasive.
Propagation of Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz.
Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, division, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
The common method of propagation for Taraxacum lapponicum is seed propagation. The seeds of the plant are small and can be sown directly into the soil in the spring. The soil must be moist and well-drained, and the seeds should be lightly covered with soil. The plant may take around two weeks to germinate and grow into mature plants.
Division
The division method of propagation is also effective for Taraxacum lapponicum. The plant can be divided into small clumps, each having their own roots, and planted separately. This method is usually performed during the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The newly planted clumps should be watered regularly and kept moist until the plant becomes established.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is an advanced method of propagation for Taraxacum lapponicum. This method is used to generate many identical plants from a single healthy plant. The method involves taking a small piece of plant tissue from the parent plant and growing it under controlled conditions in a laboratory. The tissue is then allowed to develop into a whole plant through a process of cell division. The new plantlets can then be transplanted into soil once they have developed some roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz.
Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. is a hardy plant, but it can still fall victim to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the common problems that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: This is a common fungal disease that shows up as brown or black spots on the plant's leaves. These spots can merge together, killing large areas of the foliage. To control leaf spot, you should prune away infected foliage and dispose of it properly. You can also apply a fungicide to help control the spread of the disease.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that affects Taraxacum lapponicum. It shows up as brown or orange spots on the undersides of the leaves. You can identify rust by the spores that appear on the infected areas. To control rust, you should prune away infected foliage and dispose of it properly. You can also apply a fungicide to help control the spread of the disease.
Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can infect Taraxacum lapponicum. They feed on the plant's sap and can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To control aphids, you should spray the plant with a soapy water solution or use a commercial pesticide. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to help control the aphid population.
Cutworms: These are the larvae of certain moths that feed on the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To control cutworms, you can use a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), which is a bacterium specific to cutworms. You can also use a physical barrier like a collar made of cardboard or aluminum foil around the base of the plant to prevent cutworms from reaching it.
By following these strategies for disease and pest management, you can help ensure that your Taraxacum lapponicum Kihlm. ex Hand.-Maz. plants stay healthy and productive for years to come.
