Overview:
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae, native to East Asia. This plant has been traditionally used in various countries for medicinal and culinary purposes.Common Names:
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins is commonly known as Oriental false hawksbeard, Japanese false hawksbeard, Asian cat's ear, and Asian dandelion. The plant's name "false hawksbeard" refers to its leaves, which are similar in shape to the leaves of the hawksbeard plant.Appearance:
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins is an annual or biennial herb that reaches a height of 5-50 cm. The leaves are basal and oblong to spatulate in shape. The stem leaves are alternate, pinnately lobed or toothed, and sessile. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. The plant blooms from May to November, depending on the location.Uses:
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including treating liver and bile-related diseases, fever, and headache. The plant is also used in some countries, including China and Korea, as a leaf vegetable. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a flavor similar to bitter lettuce. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in some gardens.Light Requirements
The Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins plant requires full sun to partial shade conditions for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as well under low light conditions. Thus, it is best to place it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins plant is between 18° to 23° Celsius (64° to 73° Fahrenheit). This plant can survive in temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 30°C (86°F), but it may suffer from stress if the temperature fluctuates frequently or goes beyond the recommended range.
Soil Requirements
The Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins plant grows well in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. It is best to avoid heavy clay soil because it can become waterlogged and damage the plant's roots. Additionally, adding compost or other organic materials to the soil can improve its drainage and ensure proper aeration to the roots.
Cultivation methods of Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins is a hardy perennial plant. It grows well under full sunlight as well as partial shade and prefers a well-drained soil. The plant can grow up to 40 - 60cm in height and spread around 30-50cm. For best results, the plant should be propagated through seed or root cuttings during the spring season.
Watering needs of Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins requires moderate watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot and cause damage to the plant. It is best to water the plant when the topsoil is dry to touch. The plant should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure proper hydration.
Fertilization of Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins plant requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season and should be watered well. Too much fertilizer can damage the plant and can lead to excessive growth that may cause issues.
Pruning of Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins does not require pruning very often. However, if the plant becomes leggy or bushy, it can be pruned during the fall season to maintain shape and size. Deadheading the spent blooms can also promote new growth and encourage more flowers.
Propagation of Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins, is a perennial plant native to Japan, Korea, and China. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, and it is commonly known as Asian false hawksbeard or Oriental false hawksbeard. This plant has yellow flowers, and it grows up to 50 cm tall. Propagating Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins is relatively easy, and there are different methods to achieve successful propagation.
Seed propagation
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins can be propagated by seeds. The best time to sow the seeds is in the early spring or autumn. The seeds need stratification to break the dormancy and promote germination. This process involves exposing the seeds to cold temperatures (about 4 °C) for a period of 2-4 weeks before sowing. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden or in seed trays filled with well-draining soil. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have a few true leaves.
Division
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins can also be propagated by division. This method is suitable for mature plants that have formed clumps. The best time to divide the plant is in the early spring or autumn. To perform the division, gently dig out the clump and separate it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has some roots and shoots. The sections can be replanted immediately in their permanent location. Water them regularly and keep the soil moist until they are established.
Cuttings
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. subsp. genuina (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins can be propagated by stem cuttings. This method is suitable for plants with non-woody stems. The best time to take the cuttings is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Take 7-10 cm long stem cuttings and remove the leaves from the lower one-third of the stem. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area. It takes about 4-6 weeks for the cuttings to root, and they can be transplanted to their permanent location once they have developed a good root system.
Disease Management
The plant may suffer from a few diseases that can affect the growth and yield of the plant. One of the common diseases is leaf spot caused by fungi. The leaf spot manifests as small, brownish-black spots on the leaves, and it can eventually cause the leaves to die. To control the spread of leaf spot, it's advisable to remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Application of fungicides can also be done; however, care should be taken to ensure it's the right fungicide and applied at the right time.
Root rot is another disease that affects this plant. It's caused by a fungus that thrives in soils that are poorly drained. The infected plant will show signs of stunted growth, yellowing, and dropping of the leaves. To prevent the disease, it's crucial to provide proper drainage in the soil and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be applied as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Caterpillars are among the pests that may attack Youngia japonica. The caterpillars usually feed on the leaves, and the infestation can lead to significant damage to the plant. Handpicking can be done to remove the caterpillars, and use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can also be used to control them.
Aphids are another pest that attack Youngia japonica. The aphids are usually found on the undersides of the leaves, and they suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort and stunt the growth of the plant. The use of insecticidal soap can help manage aphids. Neem oil can also be sprayed on the plant to repel the aphids.
Whiteflies are another pest that may infest Youngia japonica. The whiteflies are usually found on the undersides of the leaves, and they suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually lead to the death of the plant. The use of a vacuum cleaner to suck the whiteflies off the leaves can be done as a control measure. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to manage whiteflies.
