Overview
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson is a subspecies of the Vicia exigua, commonly known as small-flowered vetch or rarely as Sand Vetch. This plant belongs to the pea family Fabaceae and is native to North America.
Description
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson is a small herbaceous plant that grows prostrate or climbing up to a height of 40 centimeters. The leaves are pinnate, with 4-6 pairs of leaflets that are oblong to lance-shaped, measuring up to 1.5 centimeters long. The flowers occur in clusters of 1-7 and are small, measuring about 0.5 centimeters in length and are usually pink to lavender in color. The fruit is a brown pod, 1.5-2.5 centimeters long containing up to ten brown seeds.
Uses
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson is an important forage plant for both domesticated and wild animals. It is also considered as useful food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This plant is used in the restoration of degraded landscapes, control of soil erosion, and soil improvement. Some Native American tribes used small-flowered vetch to alleviate stomach disorders, and as a poultice for treating wounds and sores.
Availability
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson can easily be found in natural prairies, meadows, coastal marshes, and in open areas. This plant has the adaptability to grow in various soil types and environmental conditions from sea level up to 2500 meters. It is often found growing along roadsides, in disturbed areas, and in pastures. Additionally, it can be found from British Columbia and Alberta, south to California, and from the Great Plains to Central Mexico.
Growth Conditions for Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson requires specific growth conditions for successful growth and development. The plant is native to the western regions of North America, including California, Oregon, and Nevada, where it grows in a wide range of habitats, including dry meadows, rocky slopes, and open forests.
Light Requirements
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson thrives in full sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. The plant is best grown in areas where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. A lack of adequate sunlight can cause the plant to become leggy and weak, reducing its overall vigor.
Temperature Requirements
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson grows best in warm to hot temperatures. The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. The plant is not frost-tolerant and will experience damage if exposed to freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is typically grown as a short-lived annual in areas with cold winters.
Soil Requirements
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson requires well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, including loam, sandy loam, and clay loam, as long as the soil is well-draining. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to root rot and other diseases. Additionally, it prefers fertile soils rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which can promote healthy growth and development.
Cultivation
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson, commonly known as Hasse's vetch, is a perennial herb that is native to the western United States. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
When planting Hasse's vetch, it is best to sow seeds directly into the soil in the spring. The seeds should be planted about ½ inch deep and spaced 6-12 inches apart. They should be watered regularly until they have established themselves.
Watering Needs
Hasse's vetch requires moderate amounts of water. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. During the summer months, the plant may need to be watered more frequently.
Fertilization
Hasse's vetch does not require heavy fertilization. However, it can benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring when growth begins. A slow-release fertilizer can also be applied in the summer to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Hasse's vetch does not require frequent pruning. However, if the plant becomes too leggy or if the foliage begins to look ragged, it can be lightly pruned in the spring or fall. This will encourage new growth and help to maintain a neat appearance.
Propagation of Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson, commonly known as slender vetch or western vetch, is a perennial herb. It is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to California and eastward to Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. The plant thrives in grassy places, open woods, meadows, and along streams. It has delicate foliage and small, purple flowers that bloom from spring to summer.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest methods to propagate Vicia exigua is through seed propagation. The seeds of this plant are easy to germinate and can be sown directly into the ground in the fall or early spring. To ensure successful seed germination, it is recommended to scarify the seed coat by soaking the seeds in hot water for a few hours before planting. The scarification breaks down the hard seed coat, allowing the seeds to absorb moisture and germinate faster.
Seedlings should start to emerge within two weeks of planting. Once the seedlings are established, thin them out to ensure that each plant has enough space to grow and mature. Vicia exigua is a low-maintenance plant and requires no additional care once established.
Vegetative Propagation
Vicia exigua can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. This propagation method is ideal for gardeners who want to clone their favorite plants or who have limited access to seeds. To propagate the plant through stem cuttings, select healthy stems from the parent plant and make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle below a node. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a mixture of soil and sand. Keep the soil moist and warm, and within a few weeks, the cuttings should start to produce new roots.
In conclusion, Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei (S. Wats.) Jepson can be easily propagated through seed or vegetative propagation. Gardeners can choose the propagation method that works best for them or experiment with both methods to increase the number of plants in their collection.
Disease Management
Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei has been known to be affected by various plant diseases. One common disease that affects this plant is Fusarium wilt, which is caused by a soil-borne pathogenic fungus called Fusarium oxysporum. To manage this disease, it is essential to plant disease-resistant cultivars and to minimize the spread of infested soil and plant debris. Crop rotation and proper irrigation practices can also help prevent the spread of this disease, while fungicides can be used as a last resort.
Another disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe pisi. This disease manifests as white to gray powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, one can practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of affected plant parts. Fungicides can also be used to control the growth and spread of powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, pests can also cause damage to Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei. One common pest is the aphid, which feeds on the plant's sap and can cause stunted growth, yellowing, and even death in severe infestations. To manage aphids, one can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings or use insecticidal soap or oil spray. Pruning affected plant parts can also help control aphid populations.
Another pest that can affect this plant is the spider mite, which feeds on the plant's sap and can cause yellowing and wilting. To manage spider mites, one can introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or use insecticidal soap or oil spray. Keeping the plant well-watered can also help prevent spider mites, as they prefer dry conditions.
Overall, practicing good sanitation, using disease-resistant cultivars, introducing natural predators, and using insecticidal soap or oil spray as needed are crucial in managing diseases and pests that can affect Vicia exigua Nutt. var. hassei.
