Overview
Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv., also known as the mountain meadow aster, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and widely distributed across the western and southwestern United States.
Common Names
Common names for Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus include Mountain Meadow Aster, Strict Aster, and Mountain Aster. These names reflect the plant's preferred growing habitats in mountainous terrain and meadows.
Uses
Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus is a popular ornamental plant among gardeners due to its attractive and delicate flowers, which bloom from late summer to early fall. The plant's flowers are generally blue in color, but may also exhibit shades of violet or purple. The flowers are also important for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and other insects to the garden.
In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant, including the leaves, roots, and flowers, have been used to treat a variety of ailments. For instance, the Cheyenne tribe used the leaves to treat stomachaches, while the Navajo tribe used the plant to alleviate coughs.
General Appearance
Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. Its stems are somewhat brittle and produce narrow, alternate leaves that are roughly 5 centimeters in length. The plant typically blooms from August to October, producing numerous small, daisy-like flowers with blue-purple rays surrounding a yellow center.
The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive and can adapt to a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. It is best grown in mountainous regions, such as the Rocky Mountains, and in meadows, where the soil is moist and well-draining.
Light Requirements
Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv. typically grow in full sun to partial shade. They prefer at least six hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. In areas with hot summers, they may benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent wilting.
Temperature Requirements
Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv. are hardy in USDA zones 3-9. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grow best in moderate temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. In more extreme temperatures, they may go dormant or suffer from stress and slow growth.
Soil Requirements
Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv. prefer well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. They can grow in a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. A soil pH between 5.5-7.0 is optimal for growth. It is important to avoid soils that are too compact or waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and poor growth.
Cultivation Methods
Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv. is a perennial flowering plant that requires a bit of attention during cultivation. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Ensure that the soil maintains a pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. The plant thrives well in both full sun and partial shade conditions, although it is essential to note that too much shade may lead to weak and spindly stems.
Watering Needs
During the first growing season, the plant requires regular watering to help it establish a deep root system. As the plant matures, it becomes drought tolerant, but it requires adequate water during hot and dry seasons. To avoid waterlogging, ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
The plant requires adequate nutrients to develop a healthy foliage and lots of beautiful blooms. Use organic fertilizers such as well-rotted manure or compost. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to boost plant growth. To avoid root burn, avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
The plant requires pruning or deadheading to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Deadhead the flowers as soon as they wilt to prevent the plant from producing seeds and redirect the plant's energy to developing new blooms. Prune the plant in the late fall to early spring to maintain its shape and control its size.
Propagation of Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv.
Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv. is propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv. is from seeds. Sow the seeds indoors in early spring in well-draining soil mix, and maintain a temperature of around 65°F. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them outdoors in well-draining soil and full sunlight.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings involves taking a clean cut from the plant stem, dipped in rooting hormone powder, and planted in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, and it will take four to six weeks for the cutting to root successfully. Once roots develop, plant the cutting outdoors in the desired location.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is ideal when the plant has outgrown its current space. Dig up the plant and divide its root ball into sections, making sure each section has enough roots and foliage. Transplant the divided sections outdoors, ensuring they have well-draining soil and full sunlight. Water them well and continue to monitor their growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv.
Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv. is a delicate plant that requires proper care to keep it healthy. Like every other plant, it is prone to attack by various pests and diseases, leading to stunted growth, discoloration, and even death. The most common diseases and pests that affect this plant are:
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal infection that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It appears as a white powdery substance on the upper surface of the leaves and on the stems. The infected areas of the plant turn yellow, wither and die. To manage this, ensure proper spacing of the plants to reduce humidity, water in the morning, use of fungicides, and removing infected parts of the plant.
Leaf spot: It is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves, causing them to have brown spots. The disease may cause the leaves to fall off or have stunted growth. To control this disease, regularly remove infected plant parts, apply fungicides, and maintain proper watering techniques.
Pests
Spider Mites: These are insects that commonly attack the underside of the plant leaves. They suck sap from the leaves and cause them to develop yellow spots. To manage them, prune and remove affected plant parts, use of insecticidal soaps, and the introduction of predatory insects.
Aphids: These insects attack the plant by sucking sap from leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. They also produce sticky honeydew that attracts ants. Aphids can be controlled using insecticidal soaps, pruning, and introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Managing pests and diseases is crucial for the overall health of Aster adfinis Less. var. strictus (DC.) Harv. Regular monitoring of the plant, pruning, and removing infected parts, appropriate watering techniques, introduction of beneficial insects, and use of fungicides and insecticides are some of the effective ways of managing pests and diseases, ensuring optimum yields and good plant health.
