Introduction
Viguiera ludens, commonly known as Shinners', is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to central and southern Texas in the United States, where it thrives in sandy or gravelly soils.
Common Names
Aside from Shinners’, other common names for Viguiera ludens include Big Bend Goldeneye, Plateau Goldeneye, and Shinners' Goldeneye.
General Appearance
Viguiera ludens is a relatively small plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. It features narrow linear leaves that measure 2-7 cm long and 1-3 mm wide. The leaves are arranged alternately and densely on the stem. The plant bears yellow flowers, measuring 1-2 cm in diameter that bloom from June to September. The fruit is mostly achenes with a pappus or no pappus.
Uses
While Viguiera ludens does not have any well-known medicinal uses, some Native American tribes have used various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating stomach problems and skin diseases. The plant has also shown potential in ecological restoration projects, with its ability to help control soil erosion, and its value in supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In addition, the plant is sometimes used in ornamental landscaping, and its seeds can be harvested and stored for future planting purposes.
Light Requirements
Viguiera ludens grows best in full sunlight, although it can tolerate some shade. It is typically found in open areas such as fields, prairies, and along roadsides where there is plenty of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to Texas and Oklahoma, and as such, it is adapted to the hot and arid conditions of those regions. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 100°F, but it also needs a period of winter dormancy when temperatures drop below freezing.
Soil Requirements
Viguiera ludens prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.5). It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils, but it does not do well in heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture. This plant is also tolerant of drought conditions, making it a good choice for xeriscaping.
Cultivation methods
Viguiera ludens is a native plant of Texas, and it is well adapted to grow in sunny, hot, and dry conditions. It is a hardy perennial that thrives in well-draining soils and can survive in moderate drought conditions. The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings in the springtime or early summer. When planting the seeds or cuttings, make sure to leave enough spacing between each plant, as the Viguiera ludens can grow up to 4 feet in height and 3 feet in width.
Watering needs
The Viguiera ludens is a drought-tolerant plant that requires moderate watering during the growing season. The plant can survive in dry conditions, but excessive drought will cause it to wilt and dry out. Water the plant every 7-10 days, making sure the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. During the winter season, the plant requires less watering, as it goes into a dormant stage.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the Viguiera ludens is not necessary, as it can grow well in nutrient-poor soils. However, if you want to enhance plant growth and flowering, you can add an all-purpose fertilizer to the soil once every year during the early spring season.
Pruning
Pruning the Viguiera ludens is not required, but it can help shape the plant and promote flowering. Prune the plant lightly during the early spring season, removing the old and damaged wood to promote new growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant. Avoid pruning too heavily, as it may hinder the plant's natural form and growth habit.
Propagation of Viguiera ludens
Viguiera ludens, commonly known as Shinners' tickseed, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is easy to propagate. There are several methods that can be used to propagate this plant, including dividing the roots, taking cuttings, and growing seeds.
Dividing the roots
One of the easiest ways to propagate Viguiera ludens is by dividing the roots. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. To propagate the plant in this way, carefully dig up the entire root system and divide it into sections that each have a crown and healthy roots. Replant each section immediately in its new location, ensuring that the crown is at soil level.
Taking cuttings
Another way to propagate Viguiera ludens is by taking cuttings. This method can be done in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem about 4-6 inches long and remove all the leaves from the lower half. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location and keep the soil moist. Roots should start to grow within a few weeks.
Growing seeds
Viguiera ludens can also be propagated by growing seeds. The best time to harvest the seeds is in the fall when they are mature. Sow the seeds in a pot or tray filled with a well-draining soil mix. Cover them with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Place the pot or tray in a warm, bright location and germination should occur within a few weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Disease Management for Viguiera ludens (Shinners) M.C. Johnston
Viguiera ludens (Shinners) M.C. Johnston, commonly known as Shinners' Viguiera, is a hardy plant that can withstand various weather conditions. However, it is still susceptible to some common diseases that can affect its growth. The following are some of the diseases that might affect Viguiera ludens and ways to manage them:
Fungal infections
Viguiera ludens can be susceptible to fungal infections such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is characterized by a whitish-gray powdery substance on the leaves and stems. Rust is usually characterized by yellow, red, or brown spots on the leaves while leaf spot results in translucent lesions on the leaves. These infections can be managed by using fungicides regularly. It's essential to maintain good sanitation in the garden by removing and destroying any infected plant parts to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections can also affect Viguiera ludens, and they're often seen as water-soaked spots on the leaves, which turn into brown or black necrotic lesions. Bacterial infections can be minimized through good cultural practices such as avoiding overhead watering, which can splash water on the leaves, allowing bacterial infections to spread. You can also try using copper-based bactericide to manage bacterial infections.
Pest Management for Viguiera ludens (Shinners) M.C. Johnston
Viguiera ludens can be a target for some common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves and stems and causing wilting. The following are some ways to manage pests that might attack Viguiera ludens:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can easily attack Viguiera ludens. They can be controlled through regular application of insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs that feed on aphids to manage the infestation.
Spider mites
Spider mites thrive in hot and dry conditions and can pose a significant threat to Viguiera ludens. They cause damage to plants by piercing the leaves and sucking out the sap, leading to a yellowed and dry appearance. You can manage spider mites by regularly spraying the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the leaves. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the mites.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny sap-sucking insects that attach themselves to the underside of leaves and can cause significant damage to Viguiera ludens. They are known to secrete honeydew, which leads to the growth of sooty mold, which can damage the leaves. You can manage whiteflies by using insecticidal soap or neem oil or by introducing natural predators like parasitic wasps.
