Origin
Ericameria pulchella (Gray) L.C. Anders. ssp. baileyi (Woot. & Standl.) L.C. Anders., also known as Bailey's Goldenbush, is a species of flowering plant that is native to the southwestern United States, specifically found in California, Arizona, and Nevada. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a close relative of the sunflower.
Common Names
Besides Bailey's Goldenbush, Ericameria pulchella (Gray) L.C. Anders. ssp. baileyi (Woot. & Standl.) L.C. Anders. has several other common names, including Bailey's Chamise, Chocolate Tips, and Rosinweed.
Uses
The Native American tribes used the plant for a wide variety of medicinal purposes. For example, they used the leaves to make a tea that helped cure stomachache and diarrhea. They also made a poultice out of the leaves and applied it to wounds to help them heal faster. In addition, the plant was used to make a yellow dye for basket weaving.
General Appearance
Bailey's Goldenbush is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 1-2 meters tall, with a spread of 1-2 meters wide. The branches are thin and twiggy and are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are narrow and pointed, with a dark green color and a smooth texture on top, and lighter in color with sparse hairs underneath. The flowers are small, yellow, and grow in clusters at the end of the branches, blooming from late summer to fall. After the flowers are gone, the plant produces seeds that are dispersed by wind or animals.
Light Requirements
Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. Adequate light is therefore essential for the growth and survival of the plant, and it is recommended to plant it in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi is known to be fairly tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. However, the best growth temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C. At temperatures above 32°C, the plants may struggle to maintain moisture levels and perform photosynthesis effectively. It can tolerate frost, but it is best to keep it in areas that don't freeze during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-drained soil with moderate to low fertility. It can grow in areas with sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. But avoid planting it in areas with heavy clay soil, as they can hold water and cause root rot. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 to 7.5. Amend the soil with organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient availability.
Cultivation
Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It is native to dry regions of western North America where it grows in sandy or rocky soils and full sun.
It can be cultivated in a wide range of USDA hardiness zones from 4 to 9.
The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, so it should be given enough space to spread out.
Watering Needs
Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi is drought-tolerant, but it still needs water, especially during the growing season.
Water the plant deeply about once a week, or more often during dry spells.
Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi is not a heavy feeder, and too much fertilizer can cause excessive growth and weak stems.
A light application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, can be applied once in the spring when growth begins.
Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall since it can stimulate growth at the wrong time, leading to frost damage.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi to bloom, but it can help to shape the plant and promote bushier growth.
Prune back about 1/3 of the plant in early spring, before new growth appears.
Remove any dead or damaged branches at any time of year.
Regular deadheading can also encourage more flowers.
Propagation Methods for Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi
Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common method of propagating Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi. Seeds should be collected from healthy plants in late summer or early fall when the seedheads have turned brown. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted in the spring.
To plant the seeds, they should be sown in a well-draining soil mix with good moisture retention. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually occurs within 3-4 weeks. Seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
Stem Cuttings
Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in the summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and should be approximately 4-6 inches long. The bottom 2 inches of the cutting should be stripped of leaves and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix.
The cuttings should be kept moist and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity while they root, which usually takes 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are large enough to be planted in the garden.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method that can be used for Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi. This method involves bending a low-hanging stem down to the ground and burying a portion of it in soil while leaving the tip exposed. The buried portion of the stem should be wounded and covered with rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
The buried stem should be kept moist until roots have formed, which usually takes several months. Once rooted, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases affecting this plant are:
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease causes gray mold on the leaves, stem, and flowers. It thrives in cool and moist conditions and can be managed by pruning affected parts and improving air circulation.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. It's caused by the pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi, which thrives in wet soil. To manage this disease, it's essential to improve drainage systems and avoid overwatering.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It thrives in humid conditions and can be managed by pruning affected parts and improving air circulation.
To prevent the above diseases from infecting the plant, it's crucial to avoid overwatering, maintain proper hygiene, and use disease-free planting material. If the disease persists, consult a professional or a local Extension office to identify the exact pathogen and appropriate management techniques.
Pest Management
Ericameria pulchella ssp. baileyi is susceptible to several pests, most of which can be managed using organic control measures. The most common pests affecting this plant are:
- Aphids: These pests feed on the sap of the plant's leaves and can cause stunting, leaf curling, and yellowing. They can be managed by washing the affected parts with water or by applying insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These pests cause yellowing of the leaves and produce webbing. They thrive in hot and dry conditions and can be managed by washing the affected parts with water or by applying a natural miticide.
- Thrips: These pests cause silvering of the leaves and produce black droppings. They can be managed by using sticky traps or applying insecticidal soap.
It's essential to monitor the plant regularly and remove any infested parts immediately to prevent the pests from spreading. Additionally, planting companion plants such as marigold or using beneficial insects like ladybugs can also help control pest populations.
