Origin
Thermopsis montana Nutt. var. ovata (B.L. Robins. ex Piper) St. John, commonly known as mountain golden banner, is a herbaceous plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to western North America, occurring in the Rocky Mountains from Montana to Colorado, and west to California and Nevada.
Common names
Mountain golden banner is the most commonly used name for Thermopsis montana Nutt. var. ovata. The plant is also known by several other names, including golden pea, false lupine, Rocky Mountain thermopsis, and mountain thermopsis.
Uses
Mountain golden banner has several uses, both ornamental and medicinal. In landscaping, the plant is grown for its attractive golden-yellow flowers, which appear in late spring to early summer. The plant can be used as a border plant or as a bedding plant. In addition, mountain golden banner is also used in native wildflower gardens to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Medicinally, the plant has been traditionally used by Native American tribes to treat a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal problems, infections, and as a diuretic. Today, the plant is not commonly used in modern medicine but is still used by herbalists as a natural remedy for symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
General appearance
Mountain golden banner is a bushy, herbaceous perennial that grows up to 2-3 feet tall. The plant has an upright and spreading form, with numerous woody stems branching out from a central crown. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with glossy green leaflets that are generally oval or oblong in shape and arranged in groups of threes. The flowers are borne on tall inflorescences and are bright yellow, with a distinct pea-like appearance. The fruit is a long, slender, and slightly curved pod filled with small seeds.
Light Requirements
Thermopsis montana Nutt. var. ovata (B.L. Robins. ex Piper) St. John prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can lead to weaker plants and fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in cooler climates, especially in areas with cold winters. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -40ºF (-40ºC). In warmer climates, it prefers higher elevations where temperatures are cooler, such as in mountain regions. During the summer, the ideal temperature range is between 50-70ºF (10-21ºC).
Soil Requirements
Thermopsis montana Nutt. var. ovata (B.L. Robins. ex Piper) St. John prefers well-draining soils with a pH level between 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy or gravelly soils, as long as the drainage is good. The plant grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. Adding compost before planting can help improve soil quality.
Cultivation Methods
When cultivating Thermopsis montana Nutt. var. ovata, it is essential to select a suitable planting location. The plant thrives in well-drained soils with little or no clay content. If possible, select a site where it can receive full sunlight to partial shade, as it requires at least six hours of sunlight and cannot tolerate shade well. It is recommended to plant the Thermopsis montana Nutt. var. ovata seeds in the late fall to early spring and maintain a soil temperature of at least 60°F.
Watering Needs
Thermopsis montana Nutt. var. ovata requires moderate watering. It is necessary to water the plants consistently during the growing season, especially during dry spells, to help the roots maintain their moisture. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and ultimately kill the plant. It is recommended to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Applying slow-release fertilizer in moderate amounts is recommended for enhancing the growth rate of Thermopsis montana Nutt. var. ovata. You can add the fertilizer during the flowering period, which begins in late spring. A phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer is advised during the flowering stage, as it promotes root and flower development.
Pruning
Thermopsis montana Nutt. var. ovata requires infrequent pruning. However, it is advisable to prune the plants in the fall or early spring to maintain the desired shape and vigor. Pruning stimulates new growth and removes weak and damaged branches. Although it is robust, it can become a little wild and untidy; to prevent this, remove any extensively branching stems growing from the base to keep the plant compact.
Propagation of Thermopsis Montana Nutt. Var. Ovata (B.L. Robins. ex Piper) St. John
Thermopsis Montana Nutt. Var. Ovata (B.L. Robins. ex Piper) St. John, commonly known as mountain golden pea, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the western regions of North America. It can grow up to 1-2 meters in height and produces bright yellow flowers in the spring.
There are two primary methods of propagating Thermopsis Montana Nutt. Var. Ovata: seed propagation and division.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of reproducing Thermopsis Montana Nutt. Var. Ovata. Seeds can be collected from mature seedpods in the fall. Once harvested, the seed should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry location until the following spring. Seeds can then be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs, which typically takes two to four weeks. It is essential to be patient with seed propagation, as it can take up to two years for the plant to reach maturity and produce flowers.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Thermopsis Montana Nutt. Var. Ovata, and it involves dividing the existing plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is best done in the fall after the plant has finished flowering. Using a sharp knife or garden spade, carefully divide the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring that each section has several healthy shoots and an intact root system. Replant each section in a well-draining soil mix, and keep the soil moist until the new plants become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Thermopsis montana var. ovata
Thermopsis montana var. ovata is susceptible to various diseases and pests. These include:
Diseases
1. Rusts
Rusts are common fungal diseases that can infect Thermopsis montana var. ovata. They are characterized by orange, yellow, or brown spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Rusts spread quickly in humid environments and can cause a significant reduction in plant vigor. To manage rusts, remove infected plant parts and dispose of them far away from the garden. Apply a fungicide to prevent further infestations.
2. Leaf spots
Leaf spots can occur due to various fungal infections. They appear as small, circular, or irregular spots on the leaves. The spots may become yellow, brown, or black in color. If the problem is left unmanaged, leaves may fall off prematurely, leading to low vigor. To control leaf spots, prune the infected leaves and stems. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide to control further spread.
Pests
1. Aphids
Aphids are common pests that feed on the sap of the plant. They can distort leaves and cause stunted growth. They also excrete honeydew, which promotes fungal growth. To control aphids, spray the plant with a forceful jet of water to knock them off. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent further infestations.
2. Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the undersides of the leaves. They cause stippling, or small white or yellow dots on the leaves. Heavy infestations can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To control spider mites, spray the plant with a forceful jet of water to remove them. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
3. Cutworms
Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stem of the plant. They may cut the plant at the base, leading to its death. To control cutworms, avoid planting young Thermopsis montana var. ovata plants in areas where the soil is infested with cutworms. Protect the plant stem with a cardboard or plant collar to prevent cutworm damage.
By being vigilant and following these management practices, gardeners can protect their Thermopsis montana var. ovata from diseases and pests and promote healthy plant growth.
