Overview
Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This compact, mat-forming perennial plant is native to the western part of North America and can be found in alpine and subalpine areas of British Columbia, Alberta, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. Common names for this plant include Alpine Townsend Daisy, Rocky Mountain Townsend Daisy, and Alpine Aster.
Appearance
The Alpine Townsend Daisy typically grows to about 4-15 cm in height and is characterized by a tuft of basal leaves and blue to lavender flowers that bloom from May to August. The leaves are narrow, spatulate-shaped, and have a smooth or slightly hairy surface that forms a dense mat. The flower heads are solitary, meaning they exist as a single flower per stem, with each head consisting of 10-30 blue to purplish-blue or rarely white ray flowers with a yellow disc center. The fruit is a dry, cylindrical achene that is approximately 2-3mm long.
Uses
While the Alpine Townsend Daisy is primarily used for ornamental purposes, it also has a few medicinal uses. Native Americans consumed the root of the plant as a tea for stomach aches, fever, and as a purgative. Today, herbalists use the root extract of the Townsend Daisy plant as a mild laxative or to promote urination.
Light Requirements
Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena requires full sun exposure in order to thrive. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to the harsh mountainous environment of the Rocky Mountains where it can withstand temperatures below freezing. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10, which means it can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it may not thrive in hot and humid temperatures and may require some shade during the hottest parts of the day in warmer climates.
Soil Requirements
Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena grows well in well-draining soil, which can be sandy, gravelly or loamy. It is not tolerant of wet or poorly draining soil, which can cause root rot. Adding some organic matter to the soil can improve its quality and help retain moisture.
Cultivation Methods
Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena is a hardy perennial plant that grows well in areas with cold temperatures. It requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The site should receive ample sunlight for the plants to thrive. Ideally, the plant should be grown in a garden rather than in a container. If growing in a container, ensure that it is large enough to accommodate the root system.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply but don't flood it. The soil should feel damp to the touch, not moist or soggy. Water the plant early in the day, so the soil has time to dry before evening. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and vigorous flowering, fertilize the plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring. Repeat the process every six weeks during the growing season, or as directed by the manufacturer. Do not over-fertilize, as this only leads to lush foliage growth and reduced blooming.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the plant, but it can be done to manage its size and shape. Prune the plant back after flowering to prevent it from self-seeding and to encourage bushier growth. Deadheading can also be done regularly to remove spent flowers and keep the plant looking neat and tidy. Dispose of the pruned plant parts in the garbage to reduce the risk of spreading plant diseases.
Propagation of Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena
Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena can reproduce through various propagation methods, allowing for the expansion of the plant population. These propagation methods include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be sown directly in the soil during the fall or early spring. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about one-eighth of an inch and spaced about six inches apart. Once established, the plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division
Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena can also be propagated through division. This should be done in the spring, just as new growth begins to appear. The clumps should be dug up and carefully divided into smaller sections, making sure that each section has some roots attached. Each division should be replanted in a well-drained soil mix and thoroughly watered.
Cuttings
While Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena can be challenging to propagate through cuttings, it is possible with some effort. Take 2-3 inch stem cuttings with a sharp, sterilized knife from the parent plant in the spring or early summer. Remove any lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a moist soil mix and mist it regularly to keep it from drying out. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena
Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases and pests. However, it is still important to monitor the plant for any signs of damage or stress and take proactive measures to manage any issues that arise.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases to affect Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes a powdery white coating to form on the leaves, which can eventually lead to leaf drop. To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected foliage and improve air circulation around the plant.
Another fungal disease that can affect Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena is root rot. This disease is caused by overly wet soil conditions and can lead to the death of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
Viral diseases are less common in Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena, but can still occur. These diseases typically cause wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of the leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests to affect Townsendia alpigena Piper var. alpigena is aphids. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and deformities in the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or treat with an insecticidal soap.
Spider mites are another pest that can be problematic. These tiny mites feed on the undersides of the leaves and can cause yellowing and bronzing of the foliage. To manage spider mites, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or oil spray on a regular basis.
Other potential pests include mealybugs, scale insects, and caterpillars. These pests can be managed using similar methods as described above - either physically removing them or treating with an appropriate insecticide.
