Overview
Tetraneuris acaulis (Pursh) Greene var. nana (Welsh) Kartesz, comb. nov. ined. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as Stemless Four-nerve Daisy or Stemless Hymenoxys.
Origin
The plant is native to the western United States and is found in the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and surrounding areas. It is commonly found at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 12,000 feet.
General appearance
The Stemless Four-nerve Daisy is a small plant that grows up to 6 inches tall. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves with a diameter of up to 6 inches. The leaves are lance-shaped, dark green in color, and covered in fine hairs. The flowers of the plant are yellow in color and have 8 to 15 petals. The flowers grow in clusters at the tips of the stemless stems. The plant blooms from May to August.
Uses
The Stemless Four-nerve Daisy is a common ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is also used in ecological restoration projects to restore habitat for wildlife. The plant is known for its resilience and ability to grow in harsh environments. The Navajo people used the plant to make an infusion for treating colds and stomach ailments.
Growth Conditions for Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana
Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana, commonly known as the stemless four-nerve daisy, is a low-growing perennial plant species that is native to the western United States. It thrives in a variety of conditions and can be grown in a garden or as a container plant.
Light Requirements
Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some partial shade but may not bloom as profusely if it does not receive enough light. Therefore, it is important to plant it in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The stemless four-nerve daisy prefers moderate temperatures and can grow in a range of climates. It can tolerate hot temperatures up to 100°F (38°C), but it also requires a cool period during the winter. The plant may die back during the winter months but will come back in the spring as long as the temperature does not drop below 10°F (-12°C).
Soil Requirements
Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana prefers well-drained soil with a pH in the range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it does not tolerate soggy or poorly drained soil. Therefore, it is important to plant it in an area where the soil drains well or to amend the soil with sand or other organic matter to improve its drainage.
Overall, Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana is an easy-to-grow plant that can add color and interest to a garden or container. By providing it with full sunlight, moderate temperatures, and well-drained soil, you can encourage optimal growth and flower production.
Cultivation
Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana grows well in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade, with the latter being preferable in hotter climates. This plant is adapted to arid and semi-arid regions, so it can tolerate periods of drought and heat. It is a slow-growing plant, so do not expect rapid growth.
Watering
During the first few weeks after planting, keep the soil moist until the plant develops a solid root system. After that, water deeply and occasionally instead of frequent light watering. Avoid watering the foliage as this can lead to fungal disease problems. During periods of drought, ensure that the plant receives water periodically to keep it healthy.
Fertilization
Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana does not require a lot of fertilization. In fact, it can thrive without it. However, to promote blooming and healthy growth, you can feed it with a well-balanced fertilizer during the active growing season. Apply the fertilizer once every four to six weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Prune Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana to shape it and control its growth. It is best to avoid pruning it too late in the growing season as this may affect the next season's blooming. Prune the plant in early spring before it starts growing again. Remove the old and dead stems from the plant to keep it healthy. Trim back the plant by one-third of its length to promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana
Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana, commonly known as the stemless four-nerve daisy, can be propagated through various methods such as division, cuttings, and seeds.
Division
Division is the easiest and quickest way to propagate Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana. This method involves dividing the root ball of an established plant into sections and replanting each section. For best results, division should be done in the early spring or late fall when the plant is not in its active growth phase.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from stems of an established plant in spring or summer. Cut a four-inch stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in a pot with a well-draining soil mix. Water well and place it in a shaded area until it roots. Once the roots have formed, transplant it into a pot or directly into the ground.
Seeds
Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana can also be propagated through seeds. The seeds of the plant can be collected from dried flower heads. They should be sown in a well-draining soil mix in the early spring or late fall. Cover the seeds lightly with soil mix and water gently. Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds have germinated. Once seedlings have grown about 2 inches high, they can be transplanted in pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation of Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana can be a fun and easy way to increase your plant population. Choose the propagation method that suits you the best and take the necessary precautions for the successful growth of your plants.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana, and it is important to take measures to prevent or manage them. One common disease is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It can lead to wilting, yellowing of foliage, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If the plant does develop root rot, try adjusting the watering schedule and treat with a fungicide.
Another disease that affects Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana is powdery mildew, which is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves. It is caused by a fungal infection and can be spread through contaminated soil or water. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew does occur, treat with a fungicide and remove any infected leaves.
Pest Management
There are also several pests that can affect Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana, which can cause damage to the leaves and stem. One common pest is aphids, which are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Another pest is spider mites, which are tiny pests that can cause webbing and yellowing of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them.
Caterpillars can also feed on the leaves of Tetraneuris acaulis var. nana, which can lead to defoliation. They can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a natural bacterial insecticide. Snails and slugs can also cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves. They can be controlled with bait or by creating barriers around the plant with copper or diatomaceous earth.
