Origin and Common Names
Taraxia breviflora (Torr. & Gray) Nutt. ex Small is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family and is native to the western United States. Its common names include plains taraxia, short-flowered taraxia, and short-flower desertstar.
General Appearance
Taraxia breviflora is a small, herbaceous annual plant that typically grows up to 6-8 inches tall. The plant has thin, wiry stems and small leaves that are deeply lobed and toothed. The flowers of Taraxia breviflora are small and yellow, with four or five flower heads per stem.
Uses
Taraxia breviflora has historically been used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of headaches, fever, and stomach issues. It has also been used as a food source, with the leaves and stems being consumed either cooked or raw. Today, Taraxia breviflora serves mainly as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
The plant Taraxia breviflora (Torr. & Gray) Nutt. ex Small thrives in a partially shaded environment. Ideally, it should receive about 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. Too much direct sunlight can damage the plant, so it is best to keep it shaded during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for Taraxia breviflora is between 60-80°F. It can withstand colder temperatures, but prolonged exposure to frost can damage the plant. Similarly, excessive heat can cause the plant to dry out and wither.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. A mix of sand, loam, and clay is ideal for growing Taraxia breviflora. It can also tolerate rocky soil as long as it drains well. It is important to avoid soil that is too heavy or compact as this can impede root growth and lead to plant stress.
Cultivation Methods
The Taraxia breviflora is a native plant in the United States and requires specific conditions for its cultivation. It can be grown from seeds or propagated through cuttings. It prefers a location with full sunlight and well-drained soil. This plant is adaptable to various soil types such as sand, loam, or clay soil. It grows well in areas with moderate temperatures, and it is not tolerant to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth and development of Taraxia breviflora. It requires moderate watering, and its soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases. Watering should be done in the early morning or late evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary for the growth and survival of Taraxia breviflora. A balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. The fertilizer should be applied in the early spring, and an additional application can be done during the summer. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, leading to weak growth and roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Taraxia breviflora, but it can be done to manage its shape and size. Any dead or diseased branches should be pruned as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection. During the flowering period, spent blooms can be removed to encourage the growth of new flowers. Pruning can be done in the late winter or early spring before the plant starts growing again.
Propagation of Taraxia breviflora
Taraxia breviflora can be propagated both by seeds and by vegetative cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Taraxia breviflora can be sown directly in the garden in the spring or fall. Before sowing, the seeds should be stratified for several weeks in the refrigerator, as this will improve germination rates. Once stratified, the seeds should be sown on moist, well-drained soil and lightly covered with soil. The seedlings will emerge in a few weeks and can be thinned to the desired spacing.
Propagation by cuttings
Vegetative propagation of Taraxia breviflora can be done in late summer or early fall when the plant is in full growth. Softwood cuttings, taken from the tips of the stems, can be rooted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be about 3-4 inches long and have several leaves on them. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then gently insert the cutting into the potting mix. Keep the mix moist and in a warm, bright location, and the cuttings should root in about 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Taraxia breviflora is relatively resistant to most diseases, but it may still be subject to some fungal and bacterial infections.
The most common fungal disease that affects this plant is rust. This disease is characterized by the presence of small orange or yellow pustules on the undersides of leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide containing copper.
Another common fungal disease is powdery mildew. This can be identified by the appearance of a white or grayish powder on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply a fungicide containing potassium bicarbonate.
Bacterial infections can also affect Taraxia breviflora, causing leaf spots, stem rot, and wilting. To manage these infections, remove infected plant parts and make sure to disinfect any tools used to prune the plant. Keep the plant dry and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Several pests may attack Taraxia breviflora, including spider mites, aphids, and thrips.
Spider mites are tiny insects that can live on the undersides of leaves, causing yellow or bronze discoloration, webbing, and even leaf drop. To manage these pests, spray the plant with a pesticide containing neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and distortion of leaves. To manage these pests, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, or apply a pesticide containing pyrethrin.
Thrips are small, slender insects that cause silver streaks on leaves and flowers and can transmit viruses. To manage these pests, remove and dispose of infected plant material and apply a pesticide containing spinosad or neem oil.
Regularly inspecting the plant and removing any infected or infested plant parts is important in preventing the spread of pests and diseases. It is also recommended to avoid over-fertilizing and over-watering, as this can make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
