Overview
Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, also known as the Sunflower family. It is mostly found in the western regions of the United States, including Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Intermountain.Common Names
The common names for Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust include interior ironweed, Baldwin’s ironweed, and western ironweed.Appearance
This perennial plant can grow up to a height of 2 to 4 feet. Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust’s leaves are long and narrow, smooth and green in color, and can grow up to 6 inches in length. The flowers of the plant are tiny and look like buttons. They appear in clusters of many small heads that can grow up to 8 inches across. The color of the flowers can be purple or pink, and they bloom during the late summer months.Uses
The plant is used for a variety of purposes. Native Americans used Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust for medical purposes such as a remedy for headaches, skin sores, and stomach ailments. The plant’s root was also made into a tea, which was believed to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. In recent times, the ironweed has gained popularity as a landscaping plant due to its attractive appearance, and hardiness. It is a great addition to any garden or natural landscape, as it attracts a variety of pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Additionally, some bird species feed on the seeds of this plant.Light Requirements
Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust is a plant that requires full sunlight or partial shade for optimal growth. It is able to grow in areas with high levels of direct sunlight due to its drought-resistant nature. However, the plant can experience sunburn in areas with high-intensity light, which can cause its leaves to wilt and turn yellow.
Temperature Requirements
Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust is adapted to grow in warm temperature conditions and can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius. It is not resistant to frost and cannot survive temperatures below freezing point. The plant can also grow in areas with high relative humidity levels, although it can produce fewer flowers in such conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil's pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0. Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as the soil is well-drained, and the organic matter content is high enough to supplement necessary nutrients. The plant is drought-tolerant, but frequent irrigation with moderate amounts of water can enhance its growth and flowering capacity.
Cultivation
Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust, commonly known as interior ironweed, can be grown in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining, loamy soil. It is a wildflower native to the southeastern United States and is well-suited to hot and humid climates.
Watering Needs
The interior ironweed is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of dry weather, but it still requires consistent watering during its establishment period. Once established, it only requires watering during prolonged periods of drought to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
The interior ironweed is not a heavy feeder and can thrive with minimal fertilization. Fertilizer application is not necessary if grown in nutrient-rich soil. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in late spring after the plant has emerged from dormancy.
Pruning
The interior ironweed does not require much pruning and can be left to its natural growth habit. However, if desired, deadheading the plant can encourage more blooms and a neater appearance. Pruning can be done anytime during the growing season, but it is best to avoid cutting the plant back during its first year of growth.
Propagation of Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust
Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust, commonly known as interior ironweed or Baldwin's ironweed, is a perennial plant native to the southeastern United States. It is a robust plant that produces clusters of bright purple flowers in late summer and fall.
Propagation Methods
There are two primary methods of propagating Vernonia baldwinii: seeds and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds should be collected from spent flowers in the fall. Once collected, the seeds can be stored in a cool and dry location until they are ready to be sown. To ensure the best germination rates, the seeds should be stratified before sowing. Stratification involves placing the seeds in a moistened growing medium and exposing them to cold temperatures for several weeks. This process simulates winter conditions and triggers the seeds to sprout in the spring.
After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mixture in a greenhouse or indoors in late winter or early spring. Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is best done in early spring, just before new growth appears. To propagate by division, dig up the clump and use a clean and sharp garden knife or shovel to divide the clump into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and several stems.
The divided clumps can be replanted immediately into well-draining soil in a sunny location. Be sure to water the newly planted sections thoroughly to ensure that they become established.
Disease Management
Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust is susceptible to various diseases, including foliage spot, powdery mildew, and rust.
The best way to manage foliage spot is to remove all infected plant parts, leaves and stems, from the vicinity and dispose of them before they reproduce. Most importantly, avoid soaking the plant's foliage during watering and irrigation. In the case of powdery mildew, apply a fungicide to the plant regularly. Using a drip irrigation system or watering at the bottom of the plant will also prevent foliage from being soaked. Rust can be managed using fungicide applications too. Practicing good sanitation to keep the plant and area surrounding it clean is also essential.
Pest Management
Vernonia baldwinii Torr. ssp. interior (Small) Faust is susceptible to various pests, including spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Spider mites can be managed by regular spraying with insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other insecticides. Another alternative is introducing predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus, to feed on spider mites. Aphids can be managed using insecticidal soap solutions or neem oil. Insecticides containing pyrethroids or organic insecticides like rotenone can also be useful. Whiteflies are best controlled using insecticidal soap solutions and neem oil. Yellow sticky traps can also be useful in controlling whiteflies by trapping them in large numbers.
