Tragopogon mirus Ownbey: Description and Uses
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey, also known as Mira goat's beard or simply Mira, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the western United States, particularly the Great Basin region, and is often found in grasslands, deserts, and meadows with well-draining soil.
Appearance
The Mira goat's beard is a biennial plant that can grow up to 3 feet in height. Its stem is tall, slender, and covered in fine hairs, while its leaves are long, narrow, and lance-shaped. The plant produces a single yellow flower head that resembles a dandelion, which can grow up to 2 inches in diameter. The flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon, and are followed by seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Uses
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey has both medicinal and edible uses. The roots of the plant can be used as a natural treatment for liver and kidney problems, while the leaves and stems can be boiled and eaten as a vegetable. The plant's roots are also used in traditional Navajo medicine to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. In addition, the Mira goat's beard is often planted as an ornamental in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive yellow flowers and unique seed heads.
Light Requirement
Tragopogon mirus grows well under full sunlight or partial shade. However, it thrives well in areas with full sunlight.
Temperature Requirement
This plant can grow well in temperature ranges of 10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F). The optimum temperature range, however, is 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F).
Soil Requirement
The ideal soil for the growth of Tragopogon mirus is well-drained sandy loam soil. It can also grow well in a slightly alkaline or acidic soil condition. However, it requires a soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.2. The plant can tolerate drought, but it requires a well-drained soil type to avoid waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods for Tragopogon mirus Ownbey
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey is a hardy plant species that is easy to cultivate. The plant thrives in bright sunlight and prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be grown from seed that should be sown in the early spring.
The seeds should be scattered over the prepared soil and lightly covered with soil. The germination period ranges from 7 to 14 days. The seedlings should be gradually thinned out to allow the remaining plants to grow to their full size.
Watering Needs for Tragopogon mirus Ownbey
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey requires consistently moist soil throughout its growth period. The plant needs frequent watering, especially during the hot summer months. However, over-watering should be avoided, and the plant should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
The plant should be watered deeply to encourage deep rooting, which helps the plant to withstand drought conditions.
Fertilization for Tragopogon mirus Ownbey
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey is a moderate feeder. It requires regular fertilization to ensure proper growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied fortnightly during the growing season.
The fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the base of the plant and watered in thoroughly. Over-fertilization should, however, be avoided as it can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning for Tragopogon mirus Ownbey
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey does not require any special pruning techniques. However, regular deadheading is beneficial in promoting extended blooming and keeping the plant looking tidy.
The seed heads should be removed before seed set to prevent self-seeding, especially if the plant is desired in a specific location.
If the plant becomes overgrown or shows woody growth, the plant can be cut back to about 15cm above the soil level in the early spring to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Tragopogon mirus Ownbey
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey can reproduce both sexually and asexually. There are several methods of propagating this plant that gardeners and horticulturists may consider.
Seed Propagation
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey seeds can be used for propagation. Sow the seeds on prepared beds of well-draining soil, preferably in full sun. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them regularly. The plants should emerge after two weeks. Thin the seedlings to a spacing of about 30cm apart. Seed propagation is best done in spring or fall when the temperatures are moderate.
Varieties
There are several varieties of Tragopogon mirus Ownbey, including:
- Tragopogon mirus Red
- Tragopogon mirus Yellow
- Tragopogon mirus Pink
Transplanting
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey can be propagated by transplanting root cuttings or offshoots. Use healthy, mature plants to get mature offshoots or root cuttings. This method is most effective during the fall and is less labor-intensive than seed propagation. Water the newly transplanted roots regularly until they establish.
Division
Division involves separating the root ball of an established plant into two or more sections to be replanted as independent specimens. Division is usually performed every few years on mature plants in the early spring before new growth begins. It is a sure-fire way of ensuring that each section will have enough roots to grow and prosper on its own. The separated sections should be watered regularly until they establish.
Disease Management
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey is generally a hardy plant and is not seriously affected by any specific diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from fungal infections such as powdery mildew and rust.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by spraying the plant with a fungicide containing potassium bicarbonate, neem oil, or sulfur. Ensuring proper spacing between plants and good air circulation can also help prevent the spread of powdery mildew.
Rust
Rust is another fungal disease that appears as yellow or brownish-orange spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide containing neem oil or copper sulfate.
Pest Management
Tragopogon mirus Ownbey is occasionally attacked by pests such as aphids and spider mites.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to curl and distort. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs can also help control aphids.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that spin webs on the leaves of the plant and suck sap from them. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off, or by using a miticide containing neem oil or pyrethrin.
