Origin
Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum (Gray) Shinners var. eriocarpum (Gray) Shinners, commonly known as Mohave Johnnyweed, is native to western North America, specifically the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts in the United States.
Common Names
Mohave Johnnyweed is also known by other common names including Mohave goldenhead and woollyfruit goldenweed.
Uses
Mohave Johnnyweed has traditional medicinal uses among Native American tribes, such as the Seri people, who used it to treat stomach and chest pains. The plant's strong fragrance has also led to its use in perfume making.
General Appearance
Mohave Johnnyweed is a perennial herb that grows up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has yellow flower heads, each with 5-13 ray flowers, and the head is spherical in shape. The plant's stem and leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving it a woolly appearance. Its fruits are small achenes covered in long hairs, which become tangled together, forming a ball.
Light Requirements
Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum thrives in full sunlight and requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate partial shade but may not produce as many flowers or may become leggy.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to dry and hot climates and prefers warm temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) during the day and 50-70°F (10-21°C) at night. It can tolerate some frost but not prolonged freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum thrives in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soils with low to moderate fertility. It does not tolerate heavy clay soils or soils that retain moisture for long periods of time. A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation methods
Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum (Gray) Shinners var. eriocarpum (Gray) Shinners is a hardy perennial plant that is native to the western parts of the United States. It is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in sandy, well-draining soils. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. To cultivate Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum, plant the seeds or cuttings in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the plant establishes its roots. Once the plant is established, it is ideal to allow the soil to dry out before watering.Watering needs
Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum is a drought-tolerant plant that requires little watering once established. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce the watering frequency during the winter months. It is important not to overwater the plant as it is susceptible to root rot. To ensure the plant receives adequate water, it is ideal to water deeply and let the topsoil dry out before watering again.Fertilization
Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum does not require frequent fertilization. The plant is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils and can survive without fertilization. However, if you wish to fertilize the plant, use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content as high nitrogen fertilizers can cause excessive vegetative growth.Pruning
Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum does not require regular pruning. However, the plant can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased wood and trim back any overgrown branches. To promote bushy growth, pinch back the tips of the stems after the plant finishes blooming.Propagation of Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum
Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum is commonly known as the Texas Globe Plum and it is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and it is commonly found in the southwestern United States.
Propagation methods
The propagation methods for Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum include seed and division.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum. The seeds of this plant are typically small and can be collected from the seed head after the flowering season. To propagate through seeds, the seeds are first stratified for a period of two weeks. Stratification is the process of exposing the seeds to cold temperatures for a specific period, aimed at breaking the seed's dormancy. After stratification, the seeds are sown in trays filled with seed-starting mix, and the trays are then placed in a warm and brightly lit location. The seedlings will usually emerge within two to three weeks, and they can be transplanted after six to eight weeks of growth.
Division propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum var. eriocarpum. This method involves the separation of mature plants into smaller sections that can grow to form new plants. The best time to divide this plant is in the spring, just as new growth emerges. The plant should be dug up and the roots carefully separated, ensuring that each section has some root system and green shoots. The sections can then be replanted in a well-draining soil mix, and they will soon establish and begin to grow.
Disease Management
Plant diseases that commonly affect Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum (Gray) Shinners var. eriocarpum (Gray) Shinners include leaf spots, root rots, and powdery mildew. To prevent or manage these diseases, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and sanitation.
- Leaf spots: Leaf spots are often caused by fungal infections. To manage leaf spots, remove infected plant materials and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Root rots: Root rots typically occur as a result of overwatering. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew can be controlled by applying fungicides and improving air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Xanthocephalum sphaerocephalum (Gray) Shinners var. eriocarpum (Gray) Shinners are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Below are some ways to manage these pests:
- Aphids: Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites can be managed by keeping the plant moist and applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Thrips: Thrips can be controlled by releasing natural predators such as lacewings and ladybugs. Alternatively, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
Regular inspection of the plant for signs of disease or pest infestation is crucial for effective management. Early intervention is key to preventing further damage to the plant.
