Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats.
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. is a small, evergreen shrub that is native to the southwestern region of the United States and northwestern region of Mexico. It is commonly known as Bigelow's crossosoma or yellow tackstem.
Appearance
This plant typically grows between 1 and 4 feet tall and has thin, erect stems. The leaves are small, narrow, and needle-like, with a gray-green coloration. The flowers are small and yellow, with five petals and numerous stamens, and often have a resinous or sticky texture.
Uses
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. has limited practical uses, but its resinous qualities have led to traditional cultural and medicinal uses. Native American tribes in the southwestern United States have used the plant's sap as a topical ointment for skin ailments and as an adhesive for trapping insects. In addition, the plant’s resin has been used in religious ceremonies for its scent and adhesive qualities.
These days, the plant is typically grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its interesting appearance and unusual habit of exuding resin from its stems. It is drought-tolerant and well-suited to dry, rocky soils, making it a good choice for xeric gardens.
Light Requirements
Crossosoma bigelovii is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade but does best in areas with plenty of direct sunlight. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day is required for optimal growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Crossosoma bigelovii is adapted to hot, arid conditions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It does best in areas with temperatures ranging from 70-95 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Crossosoma bigelovii prefers well-draining, sandy soil that is low in nutrients. It is adapted to the alkaline soils of its native habitats and does best in soils with a pH of 7.2-8.5. The plant can tolerate some salt in the soil, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. However, it does not tolerate heavy clay soils or soils that are consistently moist.
Cultivation
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats., commonly known as bigelow's crossosoma, is a small evergreen shrub that is native to the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts of the United States. It is suitable for planting in gardens, rock gardens, and in containers.
The plant prefers to grow in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It requires full sun exposure and can tolerate high temperatures and dry conditions, making it a drought-tolerant plant.
Propagation is carried out using seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds need to be scarified to enhance germination rates.
Watering Needs
Crossosoma bigelovii requires moderate watering during vegetation, particularly in hot and dry weather. However, it does not require regular irrigation, and overwatering can lead to root rot. It can tolerate drought conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens.
Watering should be done deeply and less frequently to promote deep rooting. It is recommended to avoid wetting the foliage as it can encourage fungal infections.
Fertilization
Bigelow's crossosoma is a low-maintenance plant that requires a low dose of fertilizer. It is best to fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth, which results in a weak plant that is vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Crossosoma bigelovii, and it is generally not carried out as the plant has a naturally attractive shape. However, dead, diseased, and damaged stems should be removed as they appear for the plant's health and aesthetics.
Regular pruning can disrupt the plant's natural shape and reduce its flowering capacity. The plant can benefit from light pruning in the fall to maintain its compact form and encourage new growth.
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. is an attractive and low-maintenance plant that can thrive in dry regions. Proper cultivation, watering, fertilization, and pruning practices can enhance its health and longevity.
Propagation of Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats.
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats., commonly known as Bigelow's Crossosoma or sunburst, is a small, evergreen shrub that is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is a popular plant for landscaping due to its small size, attractive yellow flowers, and ability to thrive in arid regions with poor soil conditions.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats., is by seed. The best time to collect the seed is during the fall when the seed pods are dry and brown. The seeds are small and should be sown in a well-draining soil mix at a depth of 1/8 inch. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. The seeds will typically germinate within 1-2 months.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also possible but can be a bit more challenging. The best time to take cuttings is during the summer when the new growth is still green and has not yet hardened. Cuttings should be 3-4 inches long and taken from the tip of the stem. Remove all the leaves except for the top two and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. It should root within a couple of months, and once it has established roots, it can be moved to a larger container or planted in the ground.
Overall, Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. is a relatively easy plant to propagate, especially by seed. It is important to remember that it is a slow-growing plant, so it may take several years before it becomes established. However, with a little patience, it can be a great addition to any garden or landscape.
Disease Management
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. is generally resistant to many diseases, but under certain environmental conditions, it can still be susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot can be managed by maintaining good airflow around the plant, avoiding overhead watering, and promptly removing and destroying infected plant parts. Bacterial infections such as leaf scorch can be managed by avoiding excessive irrigation and fertilization, pruning diseased parts and applying a copper fungicide to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Crossosoma bigelovii S. Wats. is also susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant and affect its growth and development. Some common pests that may infest this plant include spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Spider mites can be managed by washing the plant with soapy water or using insecticidal soap, whereas aphids and thrips can be managed by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. However, it is recommended to identify the pest correctly before applying any control measures.
