Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern.
Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale is a plant species that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is also commonly known as Bicknell's western germander and northern western germander.
Origin
The plant is native to western North America and can be found growing in various habitats including rocky slopes, coniferous forests, and dry grassy fields. Its range extends from British Columbia to California, and inland to Idaho and Montana.
Appearance
The plant is a small, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 60 cm in height. It has narrow, linear and slightly leathery leaves that are gray-green in color, measuring 1-3 cm long. The flowers, which appear from June to September, are pink-purple in color and arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The plant also has a distinct scent when crushed.
Uses
Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale has been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people in North America. It is said to have antibacterial and antifungal properties and has been used to treat various ailments including colds, coughs, and stomach issues. The plant has also been used for culinary purposes, with its leaves being used as a seasoning in some dishes.
Overall, Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale is a fascinating plant species that boasts both aesthetic and medicinal qualities.
Light Requirements
Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern. is a plant species that requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. In areas with intense sunlight, it is recommended to provide partial shade to prevent sunburn to the leaves and stems.
Temperature Requirements
This species of plant is found in high elevation areas and subalpine ecosystems where the temperatures tend to be cooler. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C during the growing season. For successful germination, a temperature range of 10°C to 15°C is preferred.
Soil Requirements
Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern. prefers well-draining and sandy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level (6.0 to 7.0). These plants are capable of tolerating poor soils with low nutrient levels. However, regular fertilization can promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern. can be grown in both full sun and partial shade. They prefer dry to medium moisture levels, and well-drained soils. The plant can tolerate drought conditions but cannot survive in overly wet soils. It is well-suited for xeriscape gardens or low-water landscapes.
Watering needs
It is crucial to water Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern. carefully, especially during the early days until the roots establish themselves. Afterward, the plants should be given moderate drought conditions as they are drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry fully before watering. There is no need to water during winter dormancy because excessive moisture leads to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not a top priority for this plant because it would cause excessive growth and destroy its natural structure. During its first year of growth, a light sprinkle of nitrogen-rich fertilizer may be added. Later, a thin layer of compost about one inch deep may be added in the spring to boost soil health.
Pruning
Pruning is useful to maintain the neat, natural shape of Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern. Avoid overshaping the plant or pruning it back too much because it is slow-growing and takes time to recover. The best time to prune the plant is during winter dormancy, with an ideal cut of one-third of the previous year's growth.
Propagation of Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern.
Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern., also known as Western Germander, is a hardy aromatic plant with vivid purple flowers. This plant species can be propagated by using both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Propagation of Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern. through seed propagation is a reliable method. The seeds of this plant are collected from mature flowers, which typically occur between July and August. Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern. seeds require a cold stratification process to stimulate germination. Therefore, the seeds must be kept in a container filled with moist sand and refrigerated for at least two months before they can be sown.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern. can be achieved through stem cuttings or division. Stem cutting involves taking cuttings from a mature plant's stem between June to August. The cuttings should be around six inches long and planted in well-draining soil. It is essential to keep the soil moist until the cuttings develop roots. It takes around six months for the cuttings to develop into a mature plant.
The second method of asexual propagation is through division. This method requires a mature plant to be dug up and separated into multiple sections. Each section should contain adequate roots and foliage. The divided sections are then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. It takes around six months for the divided sections to develop into mature plants.
Disease Management
Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern. is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it is still susceptible to a few diseases like root rot and powdery mildew.
Root Rot
The plant can easily be affected by root rot caused by Phytophthora. This disease can be managed by improving soil drainage and avoiding over-watering. Removing infected plants from the planting area can also help prevent the spread of root rot.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with fungicides that contain potassium bicarbonate or neem oil. Regular pruning to improve air circulation can also help prevent the growth and spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Teucrium occidentale Gray var. boreale (Bickn.) Fern. is relatively resistant to pests. However, it may still attract a few pests such as spider mites and aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap out of the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites or by applying insecticidal soap.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. They can be managed by spraying the plant with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or a mixture of water and dish soap. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can also be introduced to the planting area to control the pest population.
