Origin
Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey, commonly known as the velvet-leaved golden banner, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to western North America, stretching from British Columbia and Alberta down to California and Arizona.
Common Names
The velvet-leaved golden banner has several common names such as velvet-leaved thermopsis, thick-leaved golden banner, and large-leaved thermopsis.
Uses
The velvet-leaved golden banner possesses medicinal properties and as such, has been used traditionally for various purposes. Its roots have been used as a sedative, diuretic, and cough suppressant. Native Americans have also used it to ease childbirth. The plant also has ornamental value and is a favorite in gardens and landscapes, thanks to its attractive yellow flowers and large, velvety leaves.
General Appearance
The velvet-leaved golden banner is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It has bluish-green stems and large, velvety leaves with three leaflets that are up to 20 cm long and 12 cm wide. The plant blooms from May to July, producing several bright yellow flowers that are about 2 cm long. The flowers are arranged in a terminal cluster that can be up to 40 cm long. After flowering, the plant produces elongated and narrow pods that contain several seeds.
Light Requirements
Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey prefers an area with full sun exposure to light shade for optimal growth. This plant requires enough sunlight to fuel photosynthesis and produce energy for the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in areas with moderate temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 25°C. It can also tolerate high temperatures of up to 30°C, but growth may slow down during extreme heat. In contrast, the plant may struggle in cold regions with temperatures below 17°C.
Soil Requirements
Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be light and loamy with a good mixture of organic matter. This plant can also tolerate rocky soils but might face stress in compacted and waterlogged soils. Mildly acidic to slightly alkaline soils are suitable for this plant's growth.
Cultivation
Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey, commonly known as velvet-leaved Thermopsis, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. This plant prefers moist and well-drained soils and can tolerate partial shade to full sun exposure. It is best grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.
Propagation of Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey can be done from seeds or by dividing established plants. Seeds can be sown indoors in early spring and transplanted outdoors after the last frost has passed. Division can be done in spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing.
Watering Needs
Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey prefers evenly moist soil but does not like wet feet. It is important to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and the frequency can be reduced during the dormant season. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey does not require heavy fertilization but benefits from an annual application of balanced fertilizer in early spring. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the base of the plant and watered thoroughly.
Pruning
Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey does not require extensive pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can promote more blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding. Pruning should be done after the blooming season has ended.
Propagation of Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey
Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey is a perennial plant that belongs to the Leguminosae family. It is known for its beautiful yellow flowers and the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. The plant can be propagated through different methods such as seed propagation, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture in the spring or fall. Before sowing the seeds, they should be scarified to break the hard outer shell and improve germination. After sowing, the soil should be kept moist, and the seedlings should be given sufficient sunlight for growth. With proper care, the seeds should germinate within two to three weeks.
Division
Division is another propagation method used for Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey. The plant can be divided in spring or fall when it is not actively growing. The clump of the plant should be carefully dug out and separated into smaller sections, making sure that each section has some roots and shoots. The divided sections can then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and given sufficient water and sunlight for growth.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina (Greene) Larisey. The cuttings should be taken in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. The stem should be cut into several pieces and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and given sufficient sunlight for growth. With proper care, the cuttings should root within a few weeks and begin to grow into new plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina
Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina is generally a hardy plant that is not commonly affected by pests and diseases. However, some diseases and pests can cause damage to the plant that affects its overall growth and productivity.
Common Diseases that Affect Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina
One of the most common diseases that affect Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that initially appears as a dusty white coating on the plant's leaves and stems. As the disease progresses, the leaves can turn yellow and fall off, and the entire plant can become stunted and weak. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to keep the plant well-ventilated, remove any infected foliage, and treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide.
Another disease that can affect Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina is anthracnose. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken spots to develop on the plant's leaves and stems. As the disease progresses, these spots can enlarge and merge, causing the leaves to deform and die. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to remove any infected plant debris and treat the plant with a suitable fungicide.
Common Pests that Affect Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina
One of the most common pests that affect Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina is aphids. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap. They can cause the plant to become stunted and weak, and can also spread disease. To manage aphids, it is essential to regularly inspect the plant and remove any visible insects using a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap.
Another pest that can affect Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap and can cause the leaves to become yellow and drop off. To manage spider mites, it is important to use a strong spray of water to dislodge the insects from the plant or use an appropriate insecticide.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Thermopsis macrophylla Hook. & Arn. var. velutina is to maintain a healthy and well-maintained plant. This includes providing the plant with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, as well as removing any infected or damaged plant material promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
